2019 - 2024
Rooted in Sydney School design principles, Beauty Point House hugs the site and is integrated into its coastal landscape on the shores of Sydney's Middle Harbour.
The new house is nestled amongst three existing mature trees that have been retained. With a substantial setback from the street, the house is deliberately low in profile.
An existing Angophora and Southern Mahogany sit in a new context of lush ground-cover and exposed sandstone rock shelves in the front garden.
A series of split-levels step down the site, following its natural topography. The site and its prospect is revealed to the visitor as they move through the house.
There are particular moments and experiences on the site that the client wished to capture. A favourite spot in the morning sun to have a coffee, the view of the glistening harbour on a winter afternoon, a glimpse of the neighbour's rock outcrop from the kitchen. The design was shaped around these moments. A window ledge at the front of the house to sit at in the morning, a generous rear terrace overlooking Middle Harbour, a tall raked ceiling above the kitchen pointing toward a double-height window with glimpses to a sandstone outcrop.
In the living areas the changes in floor level accommodate spatial articulation of open-plan living while allowing for visual and acoustic connection. The kitchen is partially concealed at one end for utility and mess, while open at the other end for gathering and engagement.
A generous courtyard garden at the centre of the house allows for natural daylight deep into the plan. The courtyard also accommodates passive privacy between different zones of the house. The courtyard becomes a sun-dial, tracking time, weather and the sky.
Upstairs, parents and children are a split-level apart, separated by the central staircase and the courtyard. An internal bridge connects these two sides of the house.
Finishes and materials are inspired by the existing Angophora on the site. Earthy reds, terracotta and slivery grey concrete are all references to the immediate natural surroundings.
The new two-storey house is articulated to appear as a single-storey dwelling from the street, with dormer roof forms. It has a generous front set-back and sits well under the canopy of existing trees.
A new circular pool is carved into an existing sandstone outcrop over-looking Middle harbour.
Built by Artechne. Structural engneering by Rebal Engineering. Civil & hydraulic engineering by Partidge. Consulting arborist Complete Arborcare. Landscape by Wisteria Landscapes.
Photography © 2025 Ross Honeysett. All rights reserved.
Houses / no.167 / Beauty Point House / pp50-57 / D'Arcy, Sing
