By Castlepeake Architects
On an extremely exposed cliff high above Killcare Beach, the house has an incredible ocean and beach outlook. It is built solidly from concrete and rammed earth to withstand weather and bushfire around a central courtyard. The courtyard opens completely to adjacent internal areas through doors which slide away entirely. It provides an external private place protected from southerly weather and also space to bring northern winter sun into the rear of the south facing living room. Winter sun also penetrates into the rumpus room below via glass panelling in the courtyard floor. While the building looks outwards to distant views it also focuses inwards to the courtyard with its mature tree as a focal point. The structure needed to be bushfire proof which presented many challenges particuarly with the protection of the wide openings. Drop down fireproof blinds were carefully concealed within the solid structure to satisfy these requirements.
Builder JR Blair and Sons
Our aim is to design site specific houses that improve the lives of our clients. Well proportioned spaces and forms which closely relate to the attributes of a site are life changing for the people who use them everyday.
Our method is to rigorously and logically analyse each site and brief and to arrange each response in an efficient and artful way. Central to the analysis and response is a thorough understanding of the client and their requirements.
Castlepeake Architects is a small, design focused, Sydney based architectural practice with many years experience in all types of residential architecture including new, altered and heritage houses. Our small size allows director input into every project from initial design to completion on site. We are a close knit and passionate team with a focus on design excellence and client satisfaction.