The stunning Angophora House by Richard Cole Architecture, a small design based studio located on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia, was just shortlisted in the Australian 2013 Houses Awards in the category of New House over 200 square meters. And I've got a thorough look at both the exterior and interior for you.
Built over an escarpment in a densely urbanised heritage conservation area in Waverton, the form of this house responds to the difficult site using the elements of cave, platform and canopy. On entering the house from the upper road, one passes through a curvaceous enclosing concrete wall with rooftop garden over.
Two platforms launch into the space of the valley, extending out from the anchoring escarpment. Insulated timber moveable walls transform the space from warm and enclosing to open and unimpeded. A sheltering timber lined roof opens to the north, falls in response to the slope of the land and captures framed views of adjacent Angophora trees. The escarpment is retained, raw and open to the rooms of the lower ground floor. A dramatic lift takes the owners to the garage on the street below.
Interior:
Richard Cole Architecture
Photography: Simon Wood
