Cove House

The site is located on a coastal ridge that extends from Avalon to Palm Beach on the northern peninsular of Sydney. This ridge generally runs in a North / South direction; to the east by Palm Beach, Whale Beach & Avalon Beach and Pittwater towards the west.

Being an elevated site, the predominant view is to the west toward McKay Reserve: a Hawkesbury Sandstone Open-Forest still in similar condition to Captain Phillip’s first visit in 1788. The reserve includes aboriginal sites, which demonstrates the long-term link between the land and its original human inhabitants.

The clients are a growing family of 5…in an active social, suburban setting. The brief was to provide a private home with connection to nature, a retreat from a busy working days & social life, a need for privacy & replenishment.

The sloping site has long north & south boundaries, with substantial neighbouring houses already looking in. A clever site strategy was required for this house to be open to nature, & to north, and yet protect itself from surrounding privacy issues. The site has opportunity towards western sunset views over Pittwater.

It is with these considerations that the design of ‘Cove House’ evolved. Conceived as a series of ‘coves’ or courtyards (in both landscape & built form), creating a series of north facing bays positioned alongside a long southern masonry wall (ridge) which acts to shelter the program. The wall protects from prevailing & often chilly south / south east ocean breezes, as well as from neighbour.

Habitation exists in two programs; for sleeping and living; one on each level. Organized in a linear arrangement, each individual room is north facing & thus enjoys uninterrupted sun filled solar access.

The lightweight north façade, with glazing, and punctures & folds allow private spaces to open, bringing solar warmth, light & garden views into the landscaped courtyards.

Living areas on the ground level extend outwards to sun filled courtyards and an elongated family pool flanks the length of the home. The pool provides setback depths to ensure necessary northern sunshine is achieved, & reflection off the water bounces light back in to the internal spaces. Many techniques are used to make the most of a slim property.

Upper level bedrooms are contained yet they are elegantly elevated & encompassed by the private gardens created by the cove courtyards. At the far end the master bedroom enjoys an expansive view aspect. With an operable wall, above the double height living room, allowing views to Pittwater sunsets as well as down across the bushland reserve.

The streetscape is formal, modern but understated, with two built forms (a studio & garages). Entrance is located between the forms via a long slender garden path. It is ethereal, symbolic to leave the worries of the world behind. Slim in width but double height, with voids in the roof allowing daylight to stream in & lush green landscaping to thrive. A double height colonnade structure becomes revealed and draws you further into the sanctuary of the coves.

Cove house is serene, a sanctuary. It is a functional response to the suburban and natural, relating the endemic quality and mentality inherent in the character of the peninsular peoples and landscape.