Watershed Architects have designed a number of houses in Queenscliff as suggested by the name 08. Familiar with the terrain, the density of housing and all keen to take in views of Manly Lagoon and Queenscliff Beach, many of the three-level homes are designed to enjoy water views.
For this house, the starting point was an early 20th century brick cottage. In the 1980s, it was given a major overhaul by former owners – including large, expressed trusses in the living areas. When the current owners, a couple with two young children, purchased the house, the brief given to Watershed Architects was: to create a contemporary home that included an additional level for the parents, rework the kitchen and living areas, and as with many of their neighbours, ensure they had views of the lagoon and the beach, just a couple of hundred metres away.
One of the other challenges for Watershed Architects was the home’s orientation to the south, overlooking the lagoon and beach. There was also the issue of privacy not just from either side of the property, but also from the street – with a number of apartments ‘descending’ on the cliff face to the north. So, the strategy from the outset was to enlarge the existing outdoor deck and create a large open plan living level that extended from north to south. Part of the scheme also included the insertion of new glass sliding doors and windows that were carefully placed to increase the light but also eliminate overlooking from neighbours. Part of this was achieved by creating highlight clerestory windows in the living area, with automated glass louvres that also allow for cross ventilation and the opportunity for sea breezes.
The new kitchen is sleek and contemporary with sufficient room for a large-square-shaped island bench. With stone benches and generous black stained joinery, the kitchen further benefits from new windows (an elongated window to the east) and sliding doors to an outdoor alfresco dining area. The redesign also came with a new plunge pool and landscaped garden.
One of the main enhancements to the original design was the addition of a parent’s bedroom wing on the top level (with the children’s bedrooms located on the lowest level). Conceived as a ‘floating’ timber-clad cube, the main bedroom includes a generous walk-in dressing area and ensuite. A small roof garden captures the northern light and allows a private outlook from the ensuite bathroom. Having this new cantilevered form also benefits the main outdoor living below, creating a canopy for the warmer months of the year.
It's not surprising that in Queenscliff there are a number of people extending their homes to take advantage of the water views. However, this sometimes comes at the price of privacy and natural light. For the owners of this home, there is now both privacy and light as well as reminders of the home’s past history, including the substantial timber trusses that fit comfortably into this contemporary home.
