A Tranquil Sanctuary– Mosman House by TKD Architects

Words by Bronwyn Marshall
Architecture by TKD Architects
Photography by Tom Ferguson

Taking inspiration from its unique waterfront setting, Mosman House is a tranquil and light-filled sanctuary. TKD Architects brings a sense of minimalism and restraint to conjure a home that is deeply connected to its site and the abounding natural views beyond.

An enviable outpost, Mosman House takes full advantage of its location, its access to the surrounding nature and positioning overlooking it all. Located in the bay of the same name, the home sits perched over the expansive water views and deliberately draws in natural light from all angles to reinforce the connection to the natural. Imagined as a calming escape, the resulting spaces are light, calm and immersive. TKD Architects combines a sense of deliberate restraint with muted finishes and an open approach to planning and transition between zones to create a truly tranquil atmosphere, dotted with places for outward contemplation and meditative reflection.

An enviable outpost, Mosman House takes full advantage of its location, its access to the surrounding nature and positioning overlooking it all.

Imagined as a calming escape, the resulting spaces are light, calm and immersive.

Spread across a steeply sloping site, a journey sequence is created to work with the natural fall of the terrain. From the outset, the connection to nature is imbedded as a key part of story of the project. Upon approach, a pond presents itself as the first interaction with the home, which then leads through a series of rhythmic portals that make the bridge sequence to entry. Drawing upon Japanese principles of concealing and revealing, curated apertures are created to connect the home with the water beyond. Transition zones are delineated with fluted timber elements and soft drapery to allow a connection through movement while also providing privacy and a sense of separation. The stacking of volumes along the site also allows for a natural ventilation to flow and cool throughout.

Located in the bay of the same name, the home sits perched over the expansive water views and deliberately draws in natural light from all angles to reinforce the connection to the natural.

Built by Windrim Building Contractors, Mosman House uses an openness of plan to allow a feeling of immersion in the surrounding lush eucalyptus trees. The natural and textural elements internally are a way to connect to the home’s setting, which is then accentuated by the punctuations in form, allowing light in. The use of lime-wash timber vertical surfaces adds warmth with a casual and calming overtone, and dark timber flooring is used to disseminate any distraction from the views. Layers of natural stone are added to heighten the tactile experience and inject refined details. The pared-back and textural approach mirrors not only its setting but also reflects a high level of consideration and restraint.

Imagined as a calming escape, the resulting spaces are light, calm and immersive.

Internally, lime-wash timber vertical surfaces add warmth with a casual and calming overtone, and dark timber flooring is used to disseminate any distraction from the views.

Mosman House uses the subtleties found in the surrounding context to reinterpret a similar rhythm in the planning, openness and finishes of the resulting home. TKD Architects has created a deeply reflective home, allowing its occupants to embrace its inimitable location and encourage an open dialogue with the natural.

TKD Architects combines a sense of deliberate restraint with muted finishes and an open approach to planning and transition between zones to create a truly tranquil atmosphere, dotted with places for outward contemplation and meditative reflection.