Gamaragal people
NSW
Willoughby Bay House embraces classic Australian architecture and technical expertise to reimagine a family home that celebrates its extraordinary waterfront setting.
What started as a purely cosmetic refurbishment of a 1990s waterfront property evolved into a thoughtfully considered home that honours its scenic surroundings and environmental positioning.
Perched on a dramatic 32-metre descent to the water’s edge, the home has been reimagined to embrace its natural setting while minimising environmental impact. The property features terraced gardens, a waterfront pool, tennis court, cabana, carport, and boatshed.
Durable materials like copper weave through the design, from the boatshed roof to the cabana and carport, echoing the earthy hues of the Australian bush. Refined geometry contrasts with the untamed beauty of native flora and bay waters, while refined detailing and robust materiality—off-form concrete, stone, and copper—shape a timeless sanctuary built to endure.
The original and fairly ordinary 1990s house also retained a pool from a 1950s structure, which was poorly angled and didn’t maximize the incredible water views, neighbouring nature reserve, and golf course vistas. The rebuilt house now perfectly connects key elements: garage, entry foyer, covered walkway, improved entry area with large balconies, pool with cabana, and boathouse. Well-designed walkways and outdoor stairs complement the topography rather than dominating it, enhancing the family’s lifestyle in all weather conditions. The creation of terraced areas, created using subtle gabion walls, have transformed the steep backyard overlooking Middle Harbour into a functional space.
Jon King, Project Architect
Alexander Cassar, Design Architect
Partridge Engineers, Engineer
Bligh Tanner, Structural Engineer
Spirit Level, Landscape Consultant
GSA Planning, Town Planner
Special Lights, Lighting Consultant
Niche Environment and Heritage, Aboriginal Heritage Consultant
Botanics Tree Wise People Pty. Ltd., Arborist
SIA Ecological & Environmental Planning, Bushland Regeneration Specialist
CoCert Building Certification, Certifier
Lote Consulting, Fire Engineer
JK Geotechnics, Geotechnical Engineer
Peter Downes Designs, Inclinator Draftspeople
BIO-ANALYSIS Pty. Ltd., Marine Ecologist
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.
