hunters hill
–

project team / andy harding, michael alder, harriet spring, bianco pohio
builder / prime form construction pty ltd
landscape architect / jane irwin landsape architecture
joiner / mark watson design
photography / paul gosney

This project involved the total remodeling of a dilapidated, unremarkable 1950's house on a waterfront property adjacent to Tarben Creek.

The challenge was to create a light and airy home on this steep south facing site while maintaining connections to the garden, water and city views. 

A series of three distinct pavilions were formed linked by two open courtyards allowing the house to gradually step down the site. The courtyards let sunlight enter the house via the extensive glazing on the northern facades. The transparency and deep modulation of these facades offer protection from summer sunlight while permitting winter light to reach deeply into the house. The courtyards provide access to level gardens and external living spaces so important on such a sloping site. 

The waterfront terrace of the original house was maintained to offer a connection to the waterfront garden and the city, water and bridge views beyond. Many existing trees and plants on the site were retained and the landscape design intent is to return the water’s edge to its original state.

The ceiling treatment in the public spaces is designed to enhance this circular sense by installing thin, flush fitting fluorescent strips radiating out to the perimeter. This provides for a stronger and cleaner ceiling plane that is contributing to the quality of the space.

The use of the low pitch skillion form gives the house a subdued presentation to the harbour and neighbouring properties while the street frontage is deliberately restrained as a considered contemporary insertion offering limited visual access to the house beyond.

Terrace houses always provide challenges to architects given the level of constraints. This little project has delivered a well resolved and considered home for our clients, a pleasant private courtyard, garaging and a small self-contained studio over on its tiny lot. It’s a model worthy of consideration in our current urban discussions.