Situated on a rocky outcrop at the eastern edge of a secluded beach in the Royal National Park, this project was always about its site and its relationship with its environment. Not only the outward relationship from within the house, but equally, the relationship from the surrounding environment to the house, and further to the beach and water beyond.
With the ground falling away to the beach, the fundamental design concept nestles the house into the land, making its roof its primary elevation. A sea of plants, the roof forms a ‘green infinity edge’ to the water, opening up generous views from the public realm.
A simple rectangular form of timber and corten steel, presents a humble single storey street presence, masking a two-storey house beyond. The only element breaking the purity of this form, a sculptural butterfly skylight, floods light into the heart of the house, and provides glimpses into the tree canopies above.
