A steep and rocky site presents more opportunities than challenges for a gorgeous new family home.

Our clients briefed a generous new family home, integrated landscape, and pool for their Lilyfield site in Sydney’s inner west. The tight, sloping block had an enormous rockface stepping up the rear of the site and fronted on to a major transport intersection. As a new home slotting into a packed row of older dwellings, we also needed to define a meaningful relationship with the streetscape and neighbours. Would it be hushed and private, open and engaging, or something in between?

Our response was the latter. By breaking up the front of the home into two main volumes – the cantilevered second storey over the garage and the recessed entranceway – we designed a dynamic façade that establishes a confident presence and mediates the somewhat gritty nature of the setting. Broad floating steps lead from the footpath to the front door, enclosed by a folded roof and metal screen to create a quietening and welcoming entry gesture.

The open plan living, kitchen, dining and covered deck at the rear operate as one flexible, expansive environment flowing out to the new pool with its dramatic rockface backdrop. In this heart of the home, the warm yet simple material palette is bright and open; the honed concrete block hearth anchoring home to site. The elegant, almost floating metal clad rear volume is also grounded to the earth by chunky brick columns and blades.

A study, sitting/guest room and internal garage access are tucked into the front of the ground floor. A clever hideaway mud room with bench seat stores coats, bags and shoes.

Upstairs, two bedrooms accommodate the children, and the main bedroom suite features WIR, ensuite, and a custom-made built-in bedhead and side tables. Slot and picture windows frame leafy views beyond. Bedrooms and bathrooms are unadorned and restful private spaces – far from the hubbub of the suburb beyond.

This is a home that shelters, centres, and celebrates family and foundation. It is revealed gradually through level changes and materiality: vertical and horizontal layers of brick, rock, metal, glass, and timber screening.

Awards

Raven HouseHighly Commended - TIDA Australia Architect Designed Kitchen Awards 2021

Photography: Tom Ferguson