Description

The development on the edge of Sydney in an area dominated by beach villas and characterized by a certain density, is distinguished by a balance between privacy and openness. The development consists of two rows: the front row features flats, the one to the rear maisonettes and row houses. A private path for the development runs between the rows debouching at the center of the complex into a communal square with pine trees.

The individual units within the rows are set off from each other. This responds to the site and also creates a differentiated elevation in which each unit is specific in character. Each unit has balconies and generous terraces, those in the front row offering spectacular ocean views.

The arrangement of the units within the overall structure of the complex varies while adhering to a principal idea: they are always divided into two stacked levels or two adjacent axial fields. The functions of living/sleeping are thus separated from one another; they are either accommodated one above the other, side by side or sequentially. The kitchens are set freely into the space or framed by short walls. Each unit has a study/guest room, equipped with folding doors and visually linked to the generous living room. This room is often shifted away from the main axis, tall and narrow glass louvers fill the resulting gap and light the space.

The development is characterized by a playful treatment of filling the structure (diaphragm walls, framework with segmental arches), the resulting rhythm, and the deviation from this rhythm.

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Originally published in: Oliver Heckmann, Friederike Schneider (eds.), Floor Plan Manual Housing, fourth revised and expanded edition, Birkhäuser, 2011.