Double Bay House.

The original house on this long and narrow site located in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs was typical of the two story federation semi-detached cottages found in the area.

The original house on this long and narrow site located in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs was typical of the two-story federation semi-detached cottages found in the area. The site runs north-south away from the street and falls three meters to the rear garden.

The owner’s brief was to double the size of the house from two to four bedrooms to accommodate both his family and his collection of Australian art. Increased natural lighting and ventilation for the new residence were also key design issues for the client.

In order to fulfil the brief, it was necessary to completely demolish the house, retaining only the front façade shared with the adjoining semi, and build a new three-story structure behind invisible to the street. The signature feature of the residence is the two-story glazed living space and mezzanine lounge area overlooking the courtyard below and the third level master bedroom and terrace with private views over the precinct.