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

Manly 23

Restoration of a Federation Villa with a new addition containing living areas and outdoor terrace, main bedroom suite above and subterranean garage and pool room below. The restoration involved reinstating the verandah which had been previously enclosed as well as the demolition of a rear extension. The new addition creates spacious, practical zones linked by an open stairwell that allows natural light to wash in. The finely detailed interiors by SJS Interior Design add layers of colour and texture, creating a rich and welcoming ambience.

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.

Lilli Pilli 01

A pragmatic, rectangular formed home built for an engineer in 1965 and fronting the Port Hacking waterway has been reconfigured to sit comfortably in its bushland setting. A new timber pavilion floats above the original masonry structure creating a counterpoint to the grounded form beneath.

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.

Cremorne 01

An existing home is given a light-filled transformation by introducing a double height void with clerestory glazing to the centre of the home. Sunlight floods the living spaces while allowing natural ventilation to the home. A curved wall leads to an open plan kitchen and dining area with curved steel balustrade wrapping around a staircase that connects to the garden and swimming pool below.

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.

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

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.

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.

Manly 15

This project involved a major renovation to take advantage of its ridge top location with views over Manly. With living areas over two levels, screening for privacy while creating a strong indoor outdoor connection were important design considerations. Extensive use of timber, raw finished fibre cement and painted steel has given warmth and a finely crafted appearance to this home.

Manly 14

A Watershed project from circa 2005 gets a makeover with a hidden upper floor and revitalised living areas. This home is tucked away in a tropical style oasis at the rear of a battle-axe block. The new upper level contains a main bedroom, ensuite and robe with a second bedroom and bathroom and is barely visible from anywhere on the site. Clever planning has maximised the potential of this compact footprint while maintaining an indoor-outdoor flow throughout the home.

Collaroy 02

A major transformation to connect and enlarge living areas, create functional outdoor terraces and revitalise all areas of this large family home. Existing brickwork was rendered, new windows were installed throughout, including large sliding doors to connect the kitchen to the adjoining terrace with new operable roof. Elsewhere outdoor entertaining areas include retractable blinds in steel frames to create comfortable living spaces.

Manly 13

A major renovation to an existing home on a narrow site in Manly. Living spaces were reworked for better functional arrangement and to bring northern light into the deep floor plan. Pop-outs to the front and side of the garage create additional storage and give modulation to the new street facade. A built-in bench seat allows a kitchen and dining area to fit into a four meter wide room.

Roseville 01

This transformation of a traditional home on Sydney’s North Shore, involved reconfiguration of the existing home, demolition of rear extensions and the addition of a modern living pavilion. The pavilion features a high ceiling with clerestory glazing and large sliding doors opening out to a north-facing deck. The orientation ensures optimal shade in summer and sun access in winter.

Mosman 03

A transformation to a traditional villa with a two storey height addition to the rear, allowing sunlight to fill new ground floor living areas and main bedroom suite above. A polished concrete floor is durable and practical in this family home, while windows, doors and expressed framing from Australian hardwood create warmth and scale.

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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.