ambay HOUSE
Kuring-gai Country | North Balgowlah NSW
This project involved the complete demolition of an old double-brick house and the construction of a new two-storey, four-bedroom home with a rear pool and double garage. The clients, who have a passion for beachside living, envisioned a spacious family home that preserved the intimacy and charm of a modest cottage. Inspired by the timber cottages built along Sydney’s beaches in the mid-20th century, this contemporary coastal pavilion blends indoor and outdoor living, encouraging a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape.
A series of northeast-facing light wells run along the side of the house, highlighting a glass-encased grand staircase. This architectural feature invites the clients to experience a daily connection with the outdoors as they move through the home. The living spaces at the rear enjoy a northwest orientation, basking in the afternoon sun; these areas are fitted with stacking sliding doors that seamlessly connect the interior to the backyard and pool.
The architectural detailing reflects the Australian weatherboard cottage aesthetic, with varied timber cladding and a post-and-beam structure that defines the building’s envelope.
Photography by Michael Nicholson