COLLINS BEACH HOUSE

Sydney architecture at its finest, this new house in Manly is situated above Collins Beach, where it makes the most of its spectacular Sydney Harbour setting.

The unusual-shaped site posed several challenges: the views are to the south; neighbours crowd in on the east, west and northern sides; and – despite its urban setting – the house was subject to bushfire controls.

Our response overcomes all of these constraints by creating a series of three volumes arranged at angles to each other. These capture views and define various external spaces including a pool and private outdoor entertaining spaces.

The kitchen and service areas are located at the heart of the home, with living and guest spaces positioned on either side. Upstairs, the family’s private zone – which includes bedrooms, bathrooms and a lounge/study area – captures expansive vistas across Collins Beach and North Head.

This house is intrinsically connected to its surrounding gardens and adjacent bushland; a wildlife corridor provides refuge for the local bandicoot population.

Doors and windows are rarely closed, the boundaries between inside and outside are erased, yet the design provides our clients with abundant privacy, warmth and a sense of protection.