A Family Residence on Sydney Harbour – Hopetoun House by Tobias Partners Architects

Set amongst lush gardens and blessed with panoramic views of the water, Tobias Partners’ Hopetoun House balances strong architectural forms with openness to the beauty of the surrounding natural environment.

Located in the surrounds of exclusive Vaucluse, Hopetoun House is a commanding family home. The house is situated on a triangular site in a natural valley that leads to a small beach, allowing for impressive views outward to Sydney Harbour. With the intention to capitalise on those harbour views from the upper levels, the geometric form of the home creates as an L-shaped floorplan that splays outwards at the site’s narrowest point.

From the outset, the design deliberately blurs the lines between inside and out. The stone crazy paving that surrounds the home is extended into the formal entry, located on the second level. The similarly raw nature of the bold, curvaceous timber and steel staircase in the foyer creates a sense that the materiality of the exterior is drawing one into the building. Meanwhile, the clients’ daily journey into the home from the garage takes place through the tranquil garden via a covered walkway.

Located in the surrounds of exclusive Vaucluse, Hopetoun House is a commanding family home.

The use of curvature throughout the interiors is also complementary to the exterior form of the building. Softened outdoor corners provide a sense of comfort as one enters the bold structure, and this notion is carried throughout the rest of the interior. The steel staircase is a triumph in fluid form, whilst subtle design details such as the stairwell’s pendant lights, voids throughout and even the bathroom basins provide Hopetoun House with a distinct design language across the entire home.

The geometric form of the home creates as an L-shaped floorplan that splays outwards at the site’s narrowest point.

At each level, the home emphasises the connection to its natural surrounds. On the ground floor, spaces open onto verdant lush gardens, softness and tranquillity that effectively contrasts with the strong presence of the built form. A swimming pool and outdoor entertainment terrace is complemented by an outdoor kitchenette, with a further guest bedroom opening out onto the garden. From the upper levels, meanwhile views of the water and surrounding tree canopies are captured through expansive openings.

The steel staircase is a triumph in fluid form, whilst subtle design details such as the stairwell’s pendant lights, voids throughout and even the bathroom basins provide Hopetoun House with a distinct design language across the entire home.

The views of the water are accentuated by the banks of horizontal louvres that mediate the threshold while allowing in natural breezes and light. Additionally, planter boxes reinforce the sense of connection between the home and the lush landscape it sits within. Combined, these subtly layered transitions between inside and out create a sense of permeability that allows the inhabitants and their guests to move effortlessly between the two. Embracing its rare waterfront location and garden setting, Hopetoun House offers a strong architectural response to a site of rare beauty and prospect.

Embracing its rare waterfront location and garden setting, Hopetoun House offers a strong architectural response to a site of rare beauty and prospect.

The views of the water are accentuated by the banks of horizontal louvres that mediate the threshold while allowing in natural breezes and light.