Northern Beaches — Watershed Architects Projects New Residences, Alterations and Additions, Northern Beaches of Sydney.

Curl Curl 04

A new multi-level family home with outdoor entertaining pavilion and swimming pool. The floor plan on this steeply sloping site was pulled apart to create a landscaped courtyard with a staircase and glazed bridge link allowing northern light to permeate the building. A material palette of off-form concrete, face brickwork and timber gives a raw, natural aesthetic while also being practical, enduring finishes in a coastal environment. As the building steps down the hill, roof gardens have been used to give a pleasant outlook from the upper floors, also providing excellent thermal mass for temperature regulation.

New ResidenceCarolyn Miles26 March 2024Northern Beaches, Coastal living, Lawson and Lovell

Palm Beach 01

Renovation of a multi-level cliff-top home with spectacular views overlooking the Palm Beach peninsular. What started as an exercise in remodelling the balconies grew to a substantial renovation project encompassing new interiors by SJS Interior Design, new exterior finishes and landscaping. The home has been reimagined to create functional, warm and inviting spaces that sit harmoniously in a uniquely beautiful location. Large glazed sliding doors open to spacious new balconies and elsewhere windows are used to frame views and capture ocean breezes.

Manly 22

In this busy, seaside locale, the front of an original cottage was retained and a new home for a family of six carefully created behind. The existing swimming pool was rejuvenated with new tiles and timber deck surrounds to create continuity and a sense of harmony between the new interiors and the outdoor living zone. The existing laneway garage was rebuilt with a new studio above.

Collaroy 04

A finely crafted building that provides a functional and beautiful home for a young family. Off-form concrete walls and polished floor, masonry “reverse brick” walls and roof gardens provide excellent thermal mass. A double height void to the living space and louvre windows throughout give ample cross-ventilation and opportunity for passive heating and cooling. The home is planned with living spaces on the ground floor adjoining outdoor areas for play and entertainment. Adjustable louvre blinds around the double height outdoor living area give protection form the afternoon sun. Bedrooms and a further living space are on the upper level, looking out over roof gardens to the front and rear of the property.

Manly 21

Much of the existing structure of this home was retained but the appearance and functionality has been transformed. A small addition to the front has added an ensuite bathroom to the main bedroom as well as a seperate study and balcony. Northern light filters into the circulation zone through clerestory glazing and the open plan living at the rear opens to a new north-facing outdoor living area.

Fairlight 04

A project with an interesting brief to create a large family home with the potential to become two separate dwellings sometime in the future. The original building has been substantially altered, creating a three level home that looks south over Sydney Harbour while having a wide north-facing frontage. A central void with staircase and clerestory glazing brings natural light and ventilation into the centre of the floor plan. Sunlight and privacy is controlled by external blinds, timber screens and large eaves that also give shadow and relief to the building form.

Manly 20

An original duplex apartment building has been retained and upgraded throughout with a new north-facing addition at the rear containing indoor and outdoor living areas. The existing and new works are clearly and separately defined with the new portion being modern in its form, planning and materiality. A palette of polished concrete, white linear bricks and natural timber reinforces the change in form from the original to the new. The edges of the new building are screened by operable aluminium louvres to the walls and roof to control privacy whilst making the most of the desirable northern sunlight and outlook to Manly Lagoon.

Alterations + AdditionsCarolyn Miles4 November 2023Northern Beaches, Manly, Duplex, MJK Building

Curl Curl 03

This cliff-top home overlooking the ocean was completely redesigned to improve circulation, natural light and ventilation, creating a fully updated, contemporary home. From the street a new carport and entry provide access to the top level. New kitchen and living spaces on this level have a breathtaking ocean panorama. A new staircase through the centre of the home links all three levels with the void introducing light into the centre of the building. New windows, screens and terraces are composed to capitalise on the views while maintaining privacy and offering sun and weather protection.

Balgowlah 05

A single site was sub-divided into two separate sites with a new three bedroom residence constructed on each one. The buildings follow the fall of the land, stepping down towards rear north-facing gardens. A flexible room at the front of the home can be used as a second living area, home office or fourth bedroom. The open plan kitchen, dining and living area are on the ground level, connected to the garden with a covered terrace. A two storey height void over the dining space brings light down into the centre of the floor plan and connects the upper level bedrooms via an open gallery style hallway.

New ResidenceCarolyn Miles2 November 2023Balgowlah, Townhouse, Narrow site, Subdivision, Northern Beaches, Urban Impact

Fairlight 03

A single site was sub-divided into two separate sites with a new four bedroom residence constructed on each one. The buildings step up towards the rear, following the contours of the land. Double height living spaces take full advantage of the north-facing back gardens with full height glazing allowing natural light and ventilation to flood the homes. As the homes were designed as a speculative development, flexibility of the floor plan was paramount with the main bedroom and living areas on a single level and further flexible bedroom/ study/ living zones on upper and lower levels.

Manly 19

This town house is one of a pair, designed for clients to live in this one and sell the other. The house is set over three split levels comprising bedrooms on the upper levels, a mid level open-plan living area and a lower guest and family room area that connects to an outdoor terrace and swimming pool. Polished concrete floors offer durability and warmth via hydronic heating. Considered window placement and design ensure maximum light into the home while ensuring privacy. External screens offer further privacy and interest to the building facade.

Manly 18

This town house is one of a pair, designed for clients to sell this one and live in the other. The house is set over three levels and designed as a flexible series of spaces that could potentially accommodate teenage children or guests on a private lower level. An open plan living area on the mid level connects to a balcony with views out over Manly. Polished concrete floors offer durability and warmth via hydronic heating. Considered window placement and design ensure maximum light into the home while ensuring privacy. External screens offer further privacy and interest to the building facade.

New ResidenceCarolyn Miles29 October 2023Manly, Northern Beaches, Timber screens, Townhouse, Subdivision

Freshwater 02

A major renovation including a new upper floor and self-contained guest wing has created a flexible family home on this sloping site. A new kitchen, dining, living space on the upper level has a street-front deck capturing northern light and providing sun-protection in summer. A larger deck on the opposite side offers a private area with district views out over Manly. A classic clean, modern palette in the new bathrooms and joinery have created bright and functional spaces throughout the home.

Alterations + AdditionsCarolyn Miles28 October 2023Freshwater, Timber cladding, Northern Beaches

Clontarf 02

An existing single level studio space was replaced with a small self-contained dwelling comprising a ground floor living space, kitchenette and bathroom with a bedroom on a mezzanine level. The form was generated from the complexities of the available space between large existing trees, privacy and set-back requirements. A material palette was generated from a desire to reference the existing house while timber, steel and brickwork are used in a compositional form to introduce a previously lacking street presence. A plywood lined interior gives a sense of calm and cohesion to the multi-faceted form.

Queenscliff 07

A large family home over three levels, stepping down a cliff top site overlooking Freshwater Beach to the north. The home was designed to take advantage of the stunning location while providing a private sanctuary for the owners and their young family. Timber and sandstone used throughout the design visually anchor the building to the cliff. Moving through the home, the plan opens up to the north with indoor-outdoor living areas and large windows that give a feeling of floating above the ocean. Retractable blinds, an operable louvre roof and sliding screens to the main terrace provide sun control and the ability to create a comfortable environment year round.

Curl Curl 02

An existing home is given a major transformation with the addition of an upper storey and new entry hall with staircase linking all three levels. Crisp white painted brickwork and black metal detailing give a clean and contemporary update to this family home.

Collaroy 03

A family home planned over two levels with a large open-planned living area on the upper floor. The kitchen and dining area opens to a North facing terrace located on the street frontage, above the garage. The living space connects to the rear garden via a timber deck and wide stairs. A central stair with roof voids and planter beds brings light into the centre of the floor plan and aids in cross ventilation through the home.

Fairlight 02

This renovation involved retaining the steeply pitched gable roof from a previous addition to this traditional bungalow. A smaller gable was removed with new metal roof and fibre-cement wall cladding updated to create an expressive, clean facade that has transformed the original home. A rear extension was removed and new kitchen, dining, living pavilion added with large deck to connect to the North facing back garden.

Warriewood 01

Starting life as a fibro cottage, this home now has flexible spaces for a large family. A new upper level contains the kitchen and living areas to take advantage of ocean views and breezes. In a contemporary take on the original building, new fibre cement cladding is painted white and contrasts with the black aluminium window frames and timber front balcony. Well proportioned outdoor living spaces on each side of the home give options for different weather conditions.

Manly 17

Two owners of each of these semi-detached dwellings teamed together to renovate their homes. The two projects were handled separately but designed to complement each other and the building work was all undertaken at the same time. A second storey was added to each of the homes while maintaining the traditional building form and streetscape. Windows and voids to the upper floor ensure ample light into the South-facing living spaces.

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Watershed Architects operates on the traditional land known as Kay-yee-my. We wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land; the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We acknowledge all First Peoples of this land and celebrate their enduring connections to Country, knowledge and stories.