Warriewood Residence I

The site required demolition of a substantial three storey home that had had several additions over it’s 60 year history.

To accommodate the lower ground floor which contains a five car garage, stairwell, lift well and bathroom, 600m3 of soil was excavated.

The southern boundary was shored up to a height of 4 metres by 18 metres in length to support the neighbouring property.

Although the home appears as a lightweight structure, the large spans, cantilevers and volumes required the construction techniques of reinforced concrete suspended floors, columns and 11 tonnes of structural steel for the first floor and roof.

A major challenge was the 10 metre by 2.8 metre high garage opening. The original design had three individual panel lift doors. The client decided early on that there had to be a better solution. It was decided that the door should appear as a wall to better reflect the architect’s design of the lower ground floor receding into the ground with the home sitting on top of the natural ground levels. Cumberland Building set out to find a contractor to take on the challenge. Monarch Doors and Cumberland Building worked on the design. The end result is a 9 metre radius curved door that is finished in the same wall cladding as the home. It appears as a wall, is a side-sliding door that runs around a 45 degree bend which has a 350mm radius.

Attention to detail was required throughout to marry the numerous natural materials together in a seamless subliminal manner able to withstand the harsh coastal environment.

The home has an extensive list of facilities, services and environmentally friendly installations. These include a 3.4kw solar system, 100% LED lighting, C-bus home automation, 3500lt rainwater reuse system, double glazed IGU glass to all doors and windows, reverse cycle VRV air conditioning, extensive audio visual system, gas fireplaces and a five person lift servicing all three levels. The rich array of finishes including European oak floors, corian, stainless steel, exotic veneers, European marble and stone surfaces creates a warm and sophisticated interior. The home is low maintenance. The only external painting is the balcony soffits. All other external materials are FSC and PEFC certified timbers, off-form concrete, copper and Alucobond.

The extensive landscaping incorporates recycled railway sleeper retaining walls, sandstone paving, seating and native plants reflecting the local headlands.

Due to the collaboration from the beginning with the client, architect and builder, the end result is a home that sits naturally in its environment, has a seamless flow and functionality throughout, uses its thermal passive design for optimal cross ventilation, well exceeds its BASIX requirements and allows the occupants a relaxed, casual beach lifestyle.