New South Wales
Hill House gracefully rests upon the Seaforth escarpment, offering a panoramic prospect of the harbour towards Spit Bridge. The house was built in 1980 by the current owners and has catered to the needs of a growing family living by the sea. More recently, with their kids grown-up, the owners found themselves living alone in the house whilst enjoying frequent visits from their adult children and grandchildren. The renovation of Hill House aimed to seamlessly blend its role as a cosy abode for two and a gathering space for the extended family.
The approach focused on preservation, whereby the existing house was largely maintained, and yet transformed with seamlessly integrated new outdoor spaces that connect with the landscape. Inspired by the Sydney School character and ecological principles of the original home, the renovations make the home whole with surrounds, inviting the interior to meld with the garden, topography and harbour setting.
In 1980 my wife and I built a house nestled into the landscape with good bones to accommodate growing family. With the children growing up one might suggest downsizing your four bedroom home to unit with easier access. Our experience has been that we needed more space to entertain a growing family. Breakspear Architects renovation design has kept the spirit of the original home and beautifully extended it into the landscape. Meticulously crafted by A.M. Builders, the result was beyond our expectations. Our kids call it the resort. It is not only our true forever home it is our resort.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
