Maitland Bay House | Studio Bright
Located on the central coast of NSW, next to the Boudii National Park, with views down to Maitland Bay across the surrounding native bushland, this new house resolves the difficulties of a sloping site, bushfire regulations and a site compressed between neighbouring properties.
The plan is a careful negotiation between these constraints while providing for living spaces that capture northern light and the views, as well sensitively responding to the ecology of site and the adjacent properties.
Constructed from brick, the building form is defined by two wings that frame the entry sequence, some mature Angophora trees and a protected flat outdoor area for the children to play. Between the two, a linking breezeway is totally operable. The upper level with its form slightly offset from that below, holds bedrooms and study. The overall form is robust and protecting but also porous and able to be opened up as required.
Manly Cove Residence | BVN
A contemporary coastal sanctuary Manly Cove Residence capitalises on its remarkable cliffedge setting while responding to family dynamics, privacy needs, and coastal conditions.
As location and orientation offered ample opportunity to prioritise panoramic vistas into Sydney Harbour, BVN designed the residence across a series of concrete platforms that follow the natural terrain contours and allow a seamless flow between indoors and the landscape.
A cascade of garden courtyards connect the site from the entry through the dwelling to the boatshed at the water’s edge. Lush planting and façade screening maximise privacy.
Our spatial programming successfully manages shifting family dynamics with separate entries and zones for the parents and their increasingly independent teenagers. Casual areas on the lowest floor can be used for relaxed family enjoyment or guest accommodation.
BVN’s design also astutely preserves the waterfront nesting area for endangered penguins and corridors for bandicoot colonies that traverse the site.
Lagoon House | p.s.architecture
Lagoon house is located along the north outlet of Curial Curial (Curl Curl) lagoon meaning river of life. The project responded to the client’s brief and beyond; it has engaged with the exploration of space and light whilst sandwiched between two large residences. It reinforces the tradition of elemental architecture characteristic of p.s.architecture in this instance in suburban Sydney.
Entry Court is an extension of the back dunes the ground floor living introduces scale light and breeze typical of this place. Stairs are lightweight and provide joyful access to a variety of upper level places bathrooms and laundry practical. Bedrooms buffer both with qualities of light, one east one west.
Lagoon house is not precious but relies on the knowledge of daily activities to embellish life, the familiarity of one’s favourite clothing to dwell comfortably all within the one of Sydney’s landscape.
Långhus | RAAarchitects Pty Ltd
Långhus – an Australian summerhouse in the Swedish countryside.
After 35 years in Australia, I rediscovered a site close to where I grew up. My connection to this land is strong and continues to evoke a visual and emotional sense of belonging, both to the land and its people.
The idea behind the building is continuity with the landscape.
Simple planning controls (area, height, and roof pitch) governs the site. From the western vernacularlike facade, the roof tilts up and down to maximise internal volume.
A narrow plan, extensive glazed areas and a neutral palette of colours highlight the connection to surrounding nature. The green carpet creates a medium for vegetation to ‘flow’ through the house.
The dark colours of the steel-clad roof and walls, and pine gables recess the house and prevents competition with the colours of nature. Only in snow, does the building stand out.
Ledgar Rise | Studio Architecture + Interiors
Ledgar Rise exudes sophistication and warmth in its clean and elegant design. The house seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, boasting robust materials and a carefully chosen colour palette that blend effortlessly with the adjacent nature reserve. Inside, timber ceilings and feature brickwork guide visitors through a spatial sequence that encourages organic flow.
With high ceilings and abundant natural light, the home achieves a sense of space while maintaining thermal comfort through strategic orientation and ventilation. Despite its modest size, Ledgar Rise offers versatile spaces designed for multipurpose use and adaptable utilization, fostering integration with its surroundings.
From breathtaking views of the hills to the serene retreat of the master bedroom, every aspect of the design emphasizes harmony with nature. Ledgar Rise sets a modern standard for family homes, embodying thoughtful design, sustainable living, and harmonious integration with nature, providing residents with a sanctuary to thrive.
Kampung Batu Bigga (Rocky Knoll Shelter) | Philip Leeson Architects and Sarah Truscott Architect
Located in a rural setting south of Canberra, Kampung Batu Bigga is a meticulously crafted rammed earth sanctuary, a joint vision between architect and outdoors enthusiast owner. Grounded in a profound love for the bush, this residence seamlessly integrates with its scenic surroundings, reminiscent of a bushwalking hut. The intentional modesty of the home’s footprint encompasses compact private spaces, with a shared living space under the distinctive roof form.
The design pays homage to Australia’s bush construction history with rammed earth and Zincalume cladding, and it carefully wraps the contours, with a winglike roof extending to shelter outdoor spaces. Sandstone ‘wind’ walls protect against prevailing winds; and sustainability is embodied throughout with onsite harvesting of rainwater, energy and waste processing. From the outdoor kitchen to serene internal spaces, Kampung Batu Bigga harmonises architecture and occupants with nature, exemplifying a thoughtful blend of design, sustainability, and connection to the Australian bush.
Kidman Lane | Plus Minus Design
Briefs are rarely this demanding on a small site in a heritage controlled inner suburb and with a modest budget, create a functional home with additional bedrooms and off street parking. A garden too, please. And don’t upset the neighbours!
Our elegant, efficient and flexible plan delivers generous living spaces connecting to a landscaped garden, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and off street parking. The sawtooth roof (inspired by a nearby warehouse) provides high ceilings without overshadowing plus abundant light/ventilation.
The courtyard garden extends the living/dining areas and transforms into parking. Upstairs, 3 rooms interchangeable as bedrooms, offices or living areas plus a spacious bathroom.
Detailing is direct thoughtful arrangement of standard components rather than high-end craftsmanship while vibrant colour design animates and amplifies spatial character.
Although different, the home fits the suburb. Not only did Council approve a potentially controversial design, it has been enthusiastically welcomed by neighbours you’ve renovated the whole street!
Killcare Heights Escarpment House | Matt Thitchener Architect
The Killcare Heights Escarpment House replaces an aged holiday home, seamlessly integrating coastal living with durability and environmental sensitivity.
Positioned on the edge of a rock escarpment on an elevated site, it balances simplicity and resilience, welcoming sandy feet and capturing panoramic views.
The design is modern yet respectful of neighbouring homes and is softened by raw, textured materials and native landscaping throughout.
Mindful of sustainability, the all electric home utilizes energy efficient glazing, natural ventilation, ample thermal mass, substantial solar and rainwater harvesting, and a battery bank w EV charging.
Simple pavilion forms allow ocean views throughout, break down building bulk & ensure light & ventilation permeate deep into the interior. Clever integration of disciplines hides services, structure, and addresses bushfire protection seamlessly.
The blackened entry provides a precursor to the spectacular views celebrated throughout the home, embodying a visually stunning and sustainable coastal retreat.
Ioppolo | vittinoAshe
This project questions where the boundaries lie within the field of small residential models close to the city. The architectural proposition considers the Australian housing crisis and seeks to demonstrate a site-responsive, socially integrated alternative as a sustainable way to accommodate a sector of our population in detached dwellings.
This proposal explores a layered approach that, in addition to meeting client requirements, seeks to privilege ecological and cultural repair for the collective within the setting of a private residential lot. The design parameters aim to maximise the amount of permeable ground by stacking the program vertically and hence minimising the building’s footprint. This thinking has its origins in modernism, but the rationale and execution of it have been extended to include local neighbourhood accounts, ensuring we are not only maximising garden area and recharging the aquifer but also weaving social narratives and truth-telling in a non-civic, domestic setting.
Irrawaddy | Incidental Architecture
Irrawaddy is on Cammeraygal land, within suburban Chatswood. Although a larger house (271m2), Irrawaddy incorporates the fine grain to nurture a family of eight.
The clients, having grown up in what was Burma, shared stories of the Irrawaddy river being synonymous with the lifeblood of Burmese culture and fundamental to every aspect commerce, transport, spirituality, and not least, shelter.
Taking inspiration from the vernacular of Burmese delta houses on stilts, the branch like steel structure of Irrawaddy is expressed inside and out, straddling the ground floor footprint. Living spaces spill outside as the first floor floats overhead.
Motivated by their six children, playful elements are scattered throughout. A loft space is accessed by a rolling ladder through high level joinery. Monkey bars span between pavilions. Pivoting screens steal views between levels.
Kids bedrooms are deliberately tiny, only 2.3mx1.9m, with built in joinery allowing maximum function.
A house to gather yet retreat, work yet play.