Basic HTML Version
Deepwater House is a composed and
sophisticated design response to an iconic
Sydney location on the rocks of Bondi Beach.
It is a project that masters ‘the edge’. A skilful
carving of the Council-prescribed built form
has resulted in a building that has a true sense
of belonging to its urban and natural context.
From the subtle treatment of paving in
the forecourt to the monumental but
beautiful composition of a hand crafted
brick screen, the building balances privacy
with engagement to its surroundings.
The unexpected views to the side of the
neighbouring buildings ground the occupants
in the Bondi community. The external skin of
the building, the voids and vertical links, the
garden edges, are all layered with beautifully
detailed filters that control the constantly
changing environmental conditions.
This house achieves a notable balance of living
in Bondi; engaging with both the eclectic
community and the extremities of nature,
whilst offering a serene and private sanctuary.
Photo: Justin Alexander
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE - HOUSES (NEW)
ARCHITECTURE AWARD
Deepwater
Tobias Partners
The many constraints of a sloped triangular
block, wedged between a road and the bush
have beautifully informed this family beach
house. The resulting stacked V-shaped plan
responds poetically and pragmatically to each
condition.
The defining gestures of the house are multi-
faceted - pragmatic and poetic. A simple
front verandah is detailed to create both
privacy and engagement with the street.
Elevated living spaces capture the expansive
ocean views, while elsewhere glimpses are
framed in delightful restraint. A central wedge
courtyard creates an intimate and calming
moment between the activity of the street and
the expanse of the view. The sequence and
arrangement of spaces immediately transport
the visitor to holiday house mode.
Robust materials respond to exposed bushfire
and coastal conditions, but go beyond this
to create a tactile building envelope that
complements the bushland context and
enriches the external encounters with the
building. Ultimately the clarity of the building
diagram creates a dramatic architectural
form that captures the essence of its site and
context.
Photo:Brett Boardman
House Acute
MCK Architects
This house masterfully resolves a series of
complex issues arising from its site as a
subdivided block. Cleverly integrated into
its context, the street frontage mimics scale
and rhythm to continue the streetscape of
neighbouring semi-detached houses. When
viewed indirectly, the house presents two
narrow forms to the street, carefully blending
in with its neighbours.
To achieve this the house is arranged around
a central courtyard that opens boldly to the
street, offering an external space central
to the understanding of the architecture,
whilst creating a sense of connection to the
outdoors from every room in the house.
Inside, the kitchen and living spaces manifest
as a series of intimate moments; opportunities
to occupy the space that are inviting and
instantly appealing. The elevated floor
structure visually lifts the house, while a
timber-clad skin creates a sculptural aesthetic
that brings lightness and cohesion to the
architecture. The design displays excellence
in response to its urban context, its spatial
arrangement and its environment to
create an outstanding contribution to
contemporary architecture.
Photo: Brett Boardman
Marrickville Courtyard House
David Boyle Architect
58