ABOVE THE BREAK

At the initial site meeting, the clients posed a simple but telling question: “Do you even think we can build on this?” The answer lay in embracing the site rather than resisting it. Set on a steep waterfront hillside, the property enjoys uninterrupted views to the Poor Knights Islands, with native bush rising behind and falling away beneath the building platform.

The residence is carefully positioned to float above the bush canopy, minimising its visual impact when viewed from the ocean. Although the house stands approximately nine metres high, only the upper 2.5 metres are visible from offshore, allowing the building to sit lightly within the landscape while maximising outlook and sunlight.

A low-maintenance material palette was selected to suit the exposed coastal environment and support long-term durability. Constructed by Ken Topp Builders, the project showcases a high level of craftsmanship, translating complex structural requirements into a refined and resolved architectural outcome.