By studioplusthree
"Nothing short of outstanding… brilliantly bold, rigorously conceptualised… A truly social home that has a nuanced dialogue with the public sphere."
Houses Magazine, Issue 124
On a triangular block in Sydney’s east, a new living platform brings light, air and space to a highly constrained site. In an urban response to the site’s limitations of light and open space, living areas are elevated up to the tree canopy - offering lush panoramas, abundant light and a sense of horizon. Responding to a lack of open space, two distinct outdoor relationships were established – at ground level, the existing volume was pared back to create a cool, secluded garden related to the bedrooms; at the first floor, living spaces open out to a bright, north-facing deck.
This new living platform creates a datum – a continuous horizon line, along which openings are carefully located in response to trees, greenery and views. The depth of the south façade provides a dialogue with the street, with deep reveals allowing casual inhabitation of window seats along this elevation.
Key to this experience is the western outlook: a lofty fig tree set against the city beyond. Providing seclusion from the street and protection from the western sun, a series of sliding perforated metal screens set against the tree canopy filter the light and views, with a vertical gradient of perforations offering privacy to neighbours below and transparency to the sky above.
The cantilevered first-floor volume provides shelter to the deck below, and at first floor opens the living spaces out to the north-facing terrace - offering open, social spaces and a continuous view to the treetops. Playing with contrast, materials define notions of inner and outer: dark charred timber cladding is cut away from the volume to reveal pale timber and clean white planes within.
Responding to the triangular site, the diagonal cut is manifested in elements throughout; from window reveals to planter boxes and outdoor seating. The design aims to integrate functionality into the details to enrich family living – such as the northern edge of the elevated deck, expressed in a continuous element that incorporates planting, outdoor seating, privacy screen, benchtop and storage.
The blackened timber exterior belies a calm, bright interior that becomes a backdrop for dappled light, soft shadows and greenery playing through the elevated living spaces. Raised above its urban context, views over and through the canopy expand the perception of interior spaces, whilst the metallic bronze screen filters the movement of light, trees and the setting sun.
Awards
Photography: Brett Boardman, Noel Mclaughlin
studioplusthree is an award-winning architecture practice based in Sydney. We are focused on the design of bespoke residential and cultural projects, following our three core values.
Nature
Access to light, air, views and landscape are key features of our work. We value the inherent beauty of natural materials and light. We are committed to designing in a way that is sustainable, specific to place, and built to last.
Craft
We believe in the use of skill and craftmanship to make enduring buildings. We design thoughtfully and deliberately, respecting the experience and knowledge of those we work with.
We are specific about details, the qualities of materials, and how buildings are assembled.
People
At the centre of our work is how spaces feel. We aim to create something special for each of our projects that reflects who it is designed for, and the place it is in. We seek to collaborate with clients that share this ambition, working closely together to create buildings and spaces that are welcoming, generous, calm and comfortable.
The studio was established in 2014 by directors and co-founders Simon Rochowski and Julin Ang, who lead a team of skilled creative designers.
studioplusthree has been recognised in national and international awards for its work, receiving the national Houses Award for Cremorne Point Apartment, and in 2021 being nominated for the Dezeen Awards 'Emerging Architect of the Year'.
The studio has received the national Australian Interior Design Award for Installation Design, a NSW Architecture Award for Small Project Architecture, and in 2023 the studio was shortlisted the NSW Architecture Awards Emerging Architect Prize. The work of the studio has been published widely in Australian and international design media.