Epping, NSW

The Japanese/Swiss owners wanted a home that reflected their cultural backgrounds but also embraced the home’s unique location nestled in a snug suburban block at the edge of an established Australian bush setting. The challenge of this first storey addition was to virtually build a new house sitting on top of the existing, classic clinker brick house from the 1970s. Firstly, we demolished the existing, poor quality first floor extension added in the 1980s. We raised the house into the trees and accentuated the home’s proximity to the adjacent, secluded, leafy gully with a dramatic wing roof extending from the terrace. References to both cultures included the extended terrace of a Swiss chalet, Japanese screen doors and a tatami room.

The home is also an homage to Harry Seidler’s homes in Sydney’s upper north shore. A pleasant surprise was how the original old clinker bricks were reinvigorated when paired with a contemporary first floor.

Photographer: Thomas Dalhoff