Bower House is a contemporary family home designed for a beach-loving family of four, shaped by a clear brief for exceptional build quality, abundant natural light, sustainability measures and a healthy, comfortable living environment. The existing dwelling had been extensively altered and suffered from significant damp and structural issues; after careful consideration of renovation options, a new build was pursued to ensure long-term performance and a stronger connection to the site.

Set on a steeply sloping site between Shelly Beach and North Head, the house overlooks a public reserve with ocean views to the front and a heritage-listed sandstone wall bounding the National Park to the rear. The four-storey form steps back from the street and up the site, breaking down the building’s scale while maintaining strong spatial flow. Curving elements, tiered landscaping and integrated planters soften the architecture and reinforce its relationship with the surrounding natural landscape.

The primary living spaces are located on the top level to maximise views, daylight and cross-ventilation. These qualities are enhanced by a double saw-tooth roof with high-level glazing, drawing light deep into the plan. A stone clad lift connects all levels from the street and is carefully positioned to minimise excavation and avoid dominating the front elevation. The clients expressed to the architect that they’d love to be able to look at the beautiful old heritage wall whilst in the kitchen, as it was a reference to the old chapter of the site. This was the driving factor to link the rear and the front parts of the house for breezeway flow and whilst maintaining views to both rear garden and the ocean in the front. 

Each level engages with outdoor space through deep off-form concrete cantilevers, balconies and operable roofs. From the entry, the sequence passes a glass-fronted wine cellar, a rumpus level for the teenage children, and a bedroom floor with direct access to the pool. The parents’ retreat includes a study and private balcony with sea views. The upper level centres on an expansive kitchen, dining and living area, articulated by bar and breakfast nooks and a curving void overlooking the entry below. Sliding doors open to a BBQ terrace with a dual-sided benchtop, which has a site responsive curved bridge across the pool terrace and connects directly to the upper lawn.

A restrained palette of spotted gum timber, stone and off-form concrete provides a robust, low-maintenance response to the coastal environment, while ensuring bushfire (BAL-12.5) compliance and long-term durability.

Sustainability is embedded through the use of heat-recovery ventilation and externally insulated reverse-veneer AFS concrete walls, leveraging thermal mass to improve comfort and energy efficiency. A smart home system future-proofs the house, enabling the owners to actively monitor and optimise performance through integrated applications.

During excavation, a large rock formation was encountered, cantilevering from the boundary across a neighbouring garden and pool. In consultation with geotechnical and structural engineers, a monitoring system with vibration alarms was implemented to ensure safe thresholds were not exceeded.

Wildlife-safe building practices were also adopted to protect local bandicoots, with temporary measures during construction and permanent landscape pathways established to support their ongoing habitat.

The natural surroundings were a defining attraction of the site for the owners, and the project team embraced the complexity these conditions introduced, integrating environmental responsibility throughout both design and construction.