Secluded Retreat – Double Bay House by TKD Architects

Set within its own private and secluded oasis, Double Bay House is idyllically located near Sydney Harbour. With a unique sense of disconnect embedded throughout the site, TKD Architects overlays an open and connected methodology that ensures the interior becomes softened by the natural elements that surround the home.

It is not often that a home is designed around the garden, however, in the case of Double Bay House, the formal response to the site centred around creating an immersive landscape experience for the home to sit within. Located in its namesake, the structure takes formation on an enviable siting, looking out over the Harbour, feeling anchored due to established neighbouring properties flanked on either side. Whilst many of the surrounding homes retained a connection to their past through an emphasis on heritage elements, Double Bay House was in ill repair and had not been restored and cared for over the years. Positioning the home to the rear of the site, the team wanted to optimise the availability of the garden at the front to enhance a feeling of retreat. Tipping the traditional planning typologies on their head, TKD Architects developed an argument for the placement of the home, defying guidelines and driving access to natural light and ventilation.

Tipping the traditional planning typologies on their head, TKD Architects developed an argument for the placement of the home, defying guidelines and driving access to natural light and ventilation.

The placement of the private garden and the built elements sit in opposite positions to the home’s neighbours, offering an increased sense of privacy. With the residence also backing onto an existing park, the owners wanted to further connection to place by creating their own extension of that public offering, set within the bounding edges of their site. Throughout, passivity and calm drive the selection of finishes and the placement of openings.

Spread over two levels, the form is both linear and curved in parts, adding a modern insertion among a collective of heritage reminders. As a result, the form takes on its own distinctive presence, giving the new addition its own sense of identity along the streetscape. Internally, an expressive and wrapping sculpted stair connects the various levels whilst being a focal element that sits centrally within the home. Access to light above also ensures the spaces across each level become filled with natural light throughout the day. With a mostly monochromatic palette of finishes, timber adds a touch of warmth through its added texture and grain.

With a mostly monochromatic palette of finishes, timber adds a touch of warmth through its added texture and grain.

By listening to how the owners wanted to live and engage with existing elements, Double Bay House is formed with its own modern character and charm. TKD Architects ensures a longevity by responding to the site and not trends, focusing on natural elements as key.