Gadigal and Birrabirragal Clan of the Eora Nation
New South Wales
In many parts of Sydney where land values are high, home owners often seek maximum development potential – height and floor space – building audacious houses which dominate their sites. However, this project turns the trend on its head. The single story flat roofed house in Rose Bay has a footprint of only 194 square metres, leaving the remaining 539 square metres as a habitat for native birds and wild life within dense native gardens of grasses, ferns and trees.
While a larger footprint, 2 storey house was permissible on this site, the single story home was preferred because it was more enjoyable, sustainable and affordable for its owners. The redevelopment is a response to its place – topography, geography and ecology – as much as a celebration of its panoramic aspect – Sydney harbour and city skyline views. While the new architecture is highly tuned, it’s incidental and contributary to the native gardens.
As Ed’s wife, living in a home evolved from his childhood is a unique experience. Despite the modern renovation, the “vibe” of his parents’ ’60’s renovation remains present.
The house is a continuous flow of connected spaces allowing circulation between rooms and to the “magic garden” of tall grasses and native bush.
Every room opens to the garden, where we watch the fauna in the trees. Sometimes the wildlife stops to look at us! It’s a house that breathes with us, feels natural and intimate.
Ed Lippmann, Design Architect
Jansen Che, Project Architect
Jan Ellis, Technician
Blake Lewis, Graduate of Architecture
Zaahir Ahmed, Graduate of Architecture
Dangar Barin Smith – Landscape Architect, Landscape Consultant
TTW, Structural Engineer
Light Practice, Lighting Consultant
Central Coast Shopfront, Glazing supply & Installation
Salken Engineering, Steel Fabrication & Erection
DKY Carpentry and Construction, Spotted gum timber lining
Eire Joinery, Spotted Gum joinery
Vental Blinds, Passive Sun Control
Coastal Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning