GB HOUSE, SYDNEY

For all its heroic gestures to the ocean, GB House is a polite neighbour on a well-trod coastal cliff walk.

Above the clear blue sea, this house embodies the spirit of seaside living in response to a magical site – endless ocean, rocky headland and the ideal north-east aspect. The design is discreet in scale, has a quiet focus and layered materiality, and is sensitive to both site and neighbours providing mystery and privacy along one of Sydney’s busiest coastlines.

Inside the house slowly unfolds, a veil of perforated brick wraps the façade directing the eye and filtering light. At ground level where the family gathers, the view is strategically angled with walls and openings for privacy and discovery leading through a series of communal, private and cosy spaces. In the master bedroom and bathroom above, this takes shape in a series of concealed lookouts for gazing along the coast.

The owners wished to give the interior the same attention to detail and quality as the architectural shell. Interior designer Belinda Brown has created contemporary interiors with a relaxing, uncluttered and peaceful atmosphere that adapt harmoniously to the surrounding landscape, embracing its seaside lifestyle.

GB House won the highest residential architecture award in NSW, the Wilkinson Award in 2019.

Completed 2018