House in Double Bay by De Moyer Architecture

De Moyer Architecture reimagines a semi-detached terrace house in Double Bay into a bold yet sophisticated home.

Accommodating for a small family, the brief called for a flexible and contemporary home that nestled into the street’s facade and occupied underutilised roof space through the addition of an attic level. At the rear, the new addition’s striking geometric shape is cocooned by the purple flowers of a jacaranda tree, while the traditional charming front facade is lovingly retained.

At the rear, the new addition’s striking geometric shape is cocooned by the purple flowers of a jacaranda tree, while the traditional charming front facade is lovingly retained.

The house is essentially a series of boxes. There is the main house, articulated by a central light well that extends to all spaces, and an extension beyond that. A courtyard garden connects the structures, while each zone within the home has a distinct spatial experience. For example, a glass roof atrium above the ground floor stairs in the main house creates a feeling of openness, while the experience of travelling up the attic stairs or under the battened curves of the studio building staircase is one of compression.

De Moyer Architecture experiments with interior fabrication to add drama and nuance within the narrow site. Metal dominates throughout, unifying the interior and exterior. Windows and doors are crafted from thin steel frames, while curved brass handrail and stair balustrade details soften the metal’s raw quality. External structural steel bookends each structure, beautifully outlining them when lit at night. Meanwhile, switch glass is used for the studio, allowing privacy as well as the ability to open the space when desired.

De Moyer Architecture experiments with interior fabrication to add drama and nuance within the narrow site.

The robustness of the metal, alongside concrete and stone, is balanced by natural light, warm tones and soft furnishings. Skylights and large windows welcome sunlight into the spaces, creating a feeling of airiness. Timber floorboards in some areas and warm lighting further complement the moments of harsher materiality. Meanwhile, refined finishes like marble benches in the bathroom and kitchen are set against warm hues and pared-back, neutral furnishings, imbuing a sense of luxury.

Harmoniously balancing softness and calm with strong, contemporary sensibilities, House in Double Bay is a sanctuary that beautifully responds to the site and needs of the inhabitants.

Architecture by De Moyer Architecture. Build by Hatch Constructions.