FAMILY RESIDENCE, CASTLECOVE

Our assignment was to transform an existing two-storey dwelling built in the 1970’s, into a modern three-level home for a young family. 

The main challenge was to create a light-filled home from a dingy, cramped interior with classic 1970’s fittings including dark timbers, wallpaper and vermiculite ceilings. 

On a corner site, with sweeping views over Middle Harbour and Fig Tree Cove, the house had two entrances: one from the street with a set of stairs up to the lower level; the other from a driveway along the North Side of the building on the upper level. 

Our design solution was to create a central atrium linking the main entrance downstairs to the entrance off the driveway, continuing to the new top level exploiting magnificent views over Middle Harbour. The interior was flooded with natural light giving the impression of a much larger space. 

We divided the house into two parts – one being the living quarters and the other, on three levels, included spaces for work, children’s areas and guest quarters. 

The original swimming pool was refurbished, with the addition of landscaping creating a private zone at the front of the house. 

The extreme fire hazard of a steep reserve adjacent to the site caused enormous difficulties in negotiations with local authorities who attempted to enforce strenuous unlegislated conditions. With persistence, we achieved a resolution by proposing a performance-based system, which secured the required approvals. 

The final outcome was a remarkable achievement – a dark, pokey building transformed into a large, bright home of flowing spaces, fulfilling our clients vision and enhancing their way of life.