Mosman 5
A study in contrasts, Mosman 5 by Sydney-based firm Smyth & Smyth is a generously proportioned family home that exudes a certain elegance – helped, in no small part, by some of the best views the city has to offer.
Set in the highly sought-after suburb of Mosman in Sydney, this home commands sweeping outlooks across Taylors Bay and Bradleys Head. These vistas form the centre point of this thoroughly modern, elegant family home. Making full use of the generous double-block site, this refurbished residence responds to the area’s natural topography, appearing to nestle into the surrounding landscape. With a steeply planted garden bed at the rear, the house is designed to gently draw the eye outward to the water.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an impressive – albeit slightly imposing – double-sized front door, hinting at something special just beyond the threshold. As it swings inward and opens onto the ground floor, it reveals a space that hums with energy. With a garage, workshop, children’s rumpus room and gym, this level becomes a hive of activity, which is distinct from the calmer pace of the rest of the home.
The clients wanted a home that felt warm and welcoming for hosting and entertaining. It’s no surprise, then, that the middle section – with its generous open-plan living and dining – seems made for a crowd. One can easily imagine a lively party, with guests flowing seamlessly between the interior and the expansive terrace, linked by the north-facing, double-height volume. Celebrating this connection is the double-sided kitchen and bar: the home’s true beating heart. This spectacular centrepiece offers outlooks in both directions, reinforcing the dwelling’s sense of openness.
Upstairs, the private areas are tucked away, but never at the expense of the view. Dormer balconies invite in natural light and open the rooms to breathtaking vistas. The home’s palette is deliberately light, embracing the sun-drenched character of much of the house. However, select pockets of darker tones create moments of calm, particularly in the television room and office. Throughout these spaces, bespoke steelwork punctuates the design, adding subtle yet striking elements that anchor the home’s refined, contemporary aesthetic.
A distinctive feature of the home is its handcrafted Krause Klad shingles. Custom-made by Krause Bricks using clay sourced in regional Victoria, they lend a tactile, lived-in quality to the exterior. Paired with the home’s clean vertical lines, the shingles bring a sense of grounding and reinforce the building’s connection to the natural landscape.
Despite its scale, Mosman 5 remains a home designed for connection – a place for gathering, celebrating and taking in the breathtaking views that make Sydney what it is.
Architecture and interior design by Smyth & Smyth. Build by HR Constructions. Landscape design by A.L.G.T. Joinery by Gigsaw Joinery. Appliances by Miele and Winning Appliances. Stone and tiles by Artedomus, CAV’ART, Eco Outdoor, Surface Gallery and Worldstone. Tapware by Brodware and Zip Water. Timber veneer by Elton Group. Timber flooring by Made by Storey. Carpet by Bremworth. Rug by Armadillo. Paint by Dulux.
