Located on the slopes of Mosman above Chinaman’s Beach, this three level house overlooks Sydney Harbour’s North Head. It is set on a steeply sloping site and is largely concealed from the street.
The existing Angophora tree presented a significant challenge for Mathieson Architects but also an opportunity for a site-specific design using a holistic approach encompassing the architecture, interiors, furniture, and custom designed joinery and soft furnishings.
Blackened steel brise soleil (an architectural feature to reduce heat gain by deflecting sunlight) are set within deep openings in expanses of white. Smaller apertures provide framed vignettes of the surrounding garden.
Plastered walls, terrazzo floors, rugs and Carrara marble, all in shades of white, capture light and shadow. Accents of dark stained timber and bespoke joinery allow for moments of contrast.
The ordered spaces in this four bedroom home are designed as internal envelopes to capture the subtlety of changing light and evoke a sense of calm. To achieve this atmosphere a minimal material palette is used throughout.
The principal living spaces open to generous covered terraces and the views beyond.
The kitchen space is defined as a white volume with a central elongated island bench formed by a black steel frame and honed granite benchtop. Joinery below the bench is finished in lime-washed elm wood to introduce a soft contrast.
An internal dark stained oak stair is a counterpoint to the lightness of the house and refocuses the senses to the framed external harbour views. It is softly lit from a single recessed trough of light.
The balconies to the front facade extend the spatial area of the living rooms and master bedroom and strengthen the connection to the surrounding landscape.
There is a fireplace with a black granite hearth and an insect screen that lowers against the balustrades for a comfortable environment year-round.
The master bedroom features hand-knotted silk carpet, a custom designed/made bedhead and bedside tables in white-washed, wire brushed, American ash.
The master ensuite has a terrazzo floor slab, carrara marble walls and a vanity with custom carrara marble twin basins. The twin mirrors are suspended and framed in wire-brushed oak. Brushed stainless steel fixtures and fittings and a Kaldewei brand bath.
A basalt-lined swimming pool is set within a private oasis of green.
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