The design approach for this project was to reconcile the site’s challenging slope with a family home where connection — rather than disconnection — drives the experience of living.
Taking cues from the original relocated cottage, the site is organised along a strong circulation axis running from the southern edge of the block through to the north. This move positions car storage at the upper portion of the site, while carving out a generous north-east facing lawn and courtyard connected directly to the living spaces.
As you move through the cottage, the central hallway steps down to the north, creating a dramatic stair sequence that anchors the interior and draws natural light deep into the centre of the home. A carefully positioned lightwell and openings to both east and west allow light and breezes to penetrate the lower levels, reinforcing a strong front-to-rear connection throughout.
The project was driven by a desire to bring the outside in, create seamless interior living and establish a functional long-term family home. A subtle kick in the park-facing wall frames views to the greenery beyond from the moment you enter, while also expanding the generosity of the outdoor living areas.
On steep, flood-affected sites, meaningful connection to ground is often difficult to achieve. Here, the design creates that connection in two significant moments: a front courtyard carved into the hillside, and a ramping grass mound at the rear that rises to meet the home halfway. Together, these moves transform the everyday experience of the house — grounding it in landscape and greatly enhancing its liveability for family life.
Images beautifully captured by Jack Gibson.
The overarching goals of this project were to bring the outside in, create a seamless interior and make it a functional family home for the long term.
Builder: Petro Builders
Images: Jack Gibson