MOSMAN, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Set on the slopes of Mosman, Sydney, this bold and modern home maximises dramatic views and capitalises on the great climate and indoor-outdoor lifestyle in Australia.
Designed by award-winning architecture company SAOTA, this home has been created as a primary home for a young Sydney family. With an international footprint in more than 86 countries, it is SAOTA’s first completed project in Australia.
SAOTA teamed with highly respected Sydney-based, TKD Architects to bring the project to life. TKD brings together experts in contemporary architecture and interior design.
“As Executive Architects, TKD worked closely with the client, ensuring that SAOTA’s detailed design was delivered and a dream home realized. Their creativity and commitment to design excellence was a key success factor,” comments SAOTA Junior Associate, Erin Gibbs.
For interior decorating, design studio Alexandra Kidd Design succeeded in creating sophisticated spaces within the home.
The style of the home is strong yet classic and inherently sophisticated. Entering the home, the drama is emphasized by a double volume entrance space with open Eastern views right through the house to Sydney Harbour and beyond.
What makes this home unique in the area is its position on two adjacent sites, allowing generously proportioned open living areas and wide access to views.
Significantly recessed into the hillside, the main living area is below street level for maximum privacy. The living area opens two sides, creating Easterly views of the Harbour and to the West, offering a secluded garden with exposed rock feature. This lends to a sense that one is surrounded by natural elements.
The home is accessible from two streets – the guest entrance on the upper level, and the access to parking garages from the lower street. From the water side, the sculptured facade is bold. From the street side, the tone and style is more understated. Guests enter through a wooden entrance door and over a bridge that crosses the garden below.
On the main level, the outdoor space includes a covered outdoor lounge and dining area, as well as bedrooms which float above the underlying platforms. A shallow water feature that wraps the area picks up the element of water from the Harbour, creating a natural edge to the spacious main terrace.
On the lower level, a covered outdoor area leads directly to the pool, with its secluded hot tub as part of the body of water. The dark granite hues of the pool are on trend and have a more monolithic recessive character. The covered outdoor easy living space is complemented with an uncovered deck ideal for capturing the warmth of the winter sun.
The sense of connection to the water in the Harbour is enhanced through water features on both the upper and lower living areas. Adding to the glamour and story, the use of electric blue in the interiors further picks up the magical blues in the vista.
Throughout the house, pristine concrete work combines with sandstone cladding. Abundant to the area, this natural stone has been used in a contemporary way. This light tone of the sandstone is offset with warm textures of wood and bronze used for internal cladding and screening. Feature pieces such as a hand-cut grey granite counter further showcase and contrast the pristine craftsmanship.
The approach to privacy is multi-layered. Angled bronzed louvres are used to maximize view out while minimizing views inwards. Further motorized screening adjacent to the entrance allows the option of maximum light when open or privacy from the street when closed.
In addition to the abundant living spaces, the home comprises five bedrooms, a sauna, gym, wine cellar and a cinema room – complete with roll down screen, the latest in audio-visual technology and block out blinds.
Photo credit: Justin Alexander
Designed by: SAOTA
Technical Info
- Status: Completed 2015
- Project Type: Single Residential
- Project Team: Philip Olmesdahl & Erin Gibbs
- Collaborators: Architects in Association: TKD Architects
- Consulting Engineers: Northrop
- Interior Design: TKD Architects & Alexandra Kidd Designs
- Interior Decor: Alexandra Kidd Designs
- Landscaping: Secret Gardens
- Photography: Justin Alexander
About SAOTA
SAOTA, a leading firm of architects is driven by the dynamic combination of Stefan Antoni, Philip Olmesdahl, Greg Truen, Phillippe Fouché and Mark Bullivant who share a potent vision easily distinguished in their design.
This, paired with both an innovative and dedicated approach to the design, documentation, and execution of projects globally, has seen SAOTA become an internationally sought-after brand.
Capitalising on a unique understanding of an ever-evolving industry, SAOTA continues to build on past experiences and is well positioned to offer expert services to the corporate, institutional, commercial and residential marketplace. With strong roots in South Africa, 85 % of SAOTA’s clientele is now international with projects in 86 countries.
This success is driven by a design philosophy that connects function and form, and the pursuit of true architectural design to create appropriate solutions. The focus on achieving maximum value has also led to global invitations to design, build and create highly prestigious projects.
The philosophy of practice is embodied in the spirit of inquiry that flourishes amongst its staff. This spirit not only guides the firm but enables it to maintain its position as definitive designers in a highly competitive and fast-changing industry. Increased exposure to the global marketplace has seen SAOTA flourish as cities and contexts allow for infinite inspiration which can be seen radiating from the approach to design.
SAOTA is also focused on using the most current computer technology in its design process, both to understand the design and to communicate the design to our clients. To this end, we are world leaders in the use of Revit and have also developed virtual reality tools for use in our process.
