Long House

  • Completed 2019

Located on a long and steep waterfront site in Sydney, the house is designed to terrace and layer the built forms into the landscape. 

Descending through garden spaces and landscaped courtyards, the arrival sequence reveals the ever-changing harbour views and perspectives. Centrally located in the northern courtyard, the pool and spa are visually and spatially connected to the everyday living and circulation spaces. 

Upper living and bedroom levels include a timeless, fresh, neutral palette with simple rectilinear planning and geometry. Descending to the lower ground level, the plan shifts to strong curves with an earthy palette, creating an intimate, entertaining ‘cave’ that connects to the landscape in form and materiality. 

The harbour-side garden terraces down the steep site, with curved sandstone-clad walls flanking the winding timber stair. Circulation is defined by movement around the large existing rocks and Moreton Bay fig tree. As time passes, the sandstone walls are intended to patina and become at one with the original sandstone rock outcrops. 

The house performs with minimal heating, cooling, and lighting due to the thermal mass, cross ventilation, and abundant natural northern light provided to all areas of the home, along with generous overhangs and concealed external shading on the western facade. 

Photovoltaic panels and evacuated tubes are discreetly located out of view whilst gaining the full benefit of the abundant daylight to generate power and water heating. As life in Port Hacking is defined by the beautiful waterways and relaxing lifestyle, the boathouse is also designed to be enjoyed as a place of arrival and entertainment for family and friends. 

  • Completed 2019

Next Project

  • Griffin House