Located on a secluded bush-clad site on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, this 3,700 square metre block presented us with an opportunity to create something truly special.

The clients’ brief was for a private yet open home for their young family, with plenty of space for entertaining. Opting for a c-shaped design, we opened up the rear of the house to northern solar gains, filling the core of the house with sunlight and warmth. Wrapped around a central courtyard, the ground floor houses a centrally positioned kitchen with living and dining areas that spill out onto expansive decks and terraces – where uninterrupted views provide a welcome backdrop to the sometimes-chaotic days of family life.

While this semi-rural block came with enormous possibilities, it also presented a vast number of challenges, including a lengthy approval process. Layers of fire safety and environmental protection measures were integrated into the design, following consultation with bushfire, flora and fauna, and geotechnical experts.

Featured in HOME Magazine.