Perched on the hill with breathtaking views over Newcastle Harbour and Stockton Beach beyond, this stunning terrace house is a celebration of modern architecture and refined materials. The structure is crafted from precast concrete, with an integral oxide color that enhances its minimalist aesthetic, allowing the architecture’s clean, geometric lines to take center stage. The stripped-back design expresses the form through its structure, blending raw strength with elegance.

Inside, a rich palette of luxurious finishes brings warmth and texture to the modernist space. Travertine marble contrasts beautifully with the rich hues of jarrah parquet flooring, while terrazzo panels with a shell additive add a unique, tactile quality. The interior is bathed in natural light, seamlessly connecting with the outdoors through expansive glass openings, creating a space that flows effortlessly between inside and out.

The home is designed to take full advantage of its north-facing position, optimizing passive solar gain and capturing cooling northeast breezes. The result is a living environment that is as energy-efficient as it is beautiful. The balance between strict architectural geometry and soft, luxurious materials creates a harmonious blend of modernity and comfort, making this terrace house a true architectural masterpiece.

Nestled on a tranquil rural acreage overlooking Wallis Lake in New South Wales, this unique residence sits harmoniously within a natural setting, framed by a backdrop of densely forested hills. The home is carefully positioned beside a watercourse, emphasising a connection to its lush surroundings while preserving the pristine landscape.

The architectural approach blends simplicity with technical sophistication. Deep, bored concrete piers anchor the structure, supporting precast concrete panels that elevate the residence above the ground. This solution not only minimizes site disturbance but also offers a sense of floating above the landscape. A swim-out pool is seamlessly integrated into the design, suspended above ground to mirror the home’s elegant levitation.

The facade employs a layering technique, with carefully positioned openings that create a continuous interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces. This blurs the lines between the home’s refined interior and the natural world beyond, allowing the sights and sounds of nature to infuse the living spaces.

Contrasting the organic surroundings, the residence's geometric form makes a bold yet respectful statement. Its proportions are derived from architectural ratios found in nature, offering a sense of balance and harmony amidst the rugged beauty of the landscape. The result is a serene retreat that embodies a dialogue between structure and setting, creating a sophisticated dwelling that is both a refuge and a celebration of its environment.

On a steep site overlooking Smith’s Lake in NSW, this residence navigates the challenges of difficult access, a dual-sloping terrain, and a desire to honour the natural landscape. One of the clients, a First Nations person, was deeply invested in developing a design that would preserve the site’s integrity and respect its natural and cultural significance.

Central to the design is the concept of a notional walking track, which begins at the highest point of the site and gently winds down through the trees until reaching the lakeside. This track concept guides the arrangement of the residence, with spaces unfolding along the path and following the natural contours of the land. As a result, each area of the home connects intuitively with its surroundings, creating a journey-like experience that reflects the rhythms of the landscape.

The home features two distinct pavilions, connected by a courtyard that acts as a gathering space and central anchor. This courtyard evokes a sense of discovery, as if it had always existed, waiting to be revealed. The design’s careful attention to the natural topography and its thoughtful connection to the surrounding environment create a space that is both grounded and uplifting—a true reflection of the site’s spirit and the client’s heritage.