The Birdcage

The Birdcage is located in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, Australia. Elevated high above the street, it negotiates the steeply sloping site to capture a leafy outlook within the treetops. The residence is conceived as two elements; a solid concrete base as the entry to the home and a perforated brass and timber box forming the more private zones. Between these two contrasting elements is an expansive outdoor room, with living, dining, kitchen and swimming pool integrated side-by-side, exploiting Sydney’s temperate climate throughout the year. The swimming pool itself is glimpsed throughout different parts of the house - its cantilevered glass bottom soars overhead in the entry foyer, its fl uid surface is seen if you peer down the stairs, and its refl ections scatter light across the ceilings inside. The perforated box wraps the private zones of the house in an operable brass mesh screen that allows the user of the space to control the views, light, texture and ventilation. The refi ned pallette of off-form concrete, brass and timber affords timeless elegance to the contemporary built form.