Seamless and Embracing – Seaforth Harbour View by Georgina Wilson Architect

The reinvigoration of an idyllically located abode, Seaforth Harbour View sees the opening up and streamlining of the home’s existing elements to optimise its enviable outpost. Georgina Wilson Architect combines European sensibilities with a textured and casual approach to create a seamless and embracing home.

Imbedded into its steeply sloping site, the home sits overlooking its enviable view from Sydney’s north. As an exercise in opening up, the renovation works see the expansion of the home’s entry to create a larger and impactful sense of presence, while opening up the outward facing potential toward its aspect. Combining a mix of European sensibilities of similar settings, large outdoor picture windows and integrated seating see a stepped approach across the site where an additional level was added overhead. Georgina Wilson Architect transforms the interiors while opening the architectural built envelope to embrace the surrounding views, and the result creates a home of enduring purpose.

Combining a mix of European sensibilities of similar settings, large outdoor picture windows and integrated seating see a stepped approach across the site where an additional level was added overhead.

Built by Mike Smit Constructions, and with Landscaping by Linton, the careful integration of an expanded footprint and an established landscape that felt like it has existed in place for years was key. Equally so was the need for a robust and low maintenance home for the family while also creating a place to entertain and relax. The careful integration of the many priorities sees a terraced approach, where zones are created through subtle changes in levels and with physical cues in the landscape – allowing for multiple gathering spaces outside while also being connected visually in small ways.

At the centre of the home is the revived kitchen, transforming itself into one central meeting space, around its large central island bench. As a key gathering space, the original condition of being split over multiple rooms impeded a sense of flow. Now, the space opens itself up to the connected living and dining space, that then spill over into the outdoor terrace spaces. This reconnecting of disparate spaces also supports the owner’s lifestyle of living outside and their frequent use of their pool, making the meaningful connection of the elements imperative. Together with the upper level addition, and the opening of the entrance to create a significant sense of place and arrival, the existing home is endowed new purpose.

The careful integration of the many priorities sees a terraced approach, where zones are created through subtle changes in levels and with physical cues in the landscape – allowing for multiple gathering spaces outside while also being connected visually in small ways.

Seaforth Harbour View utilises mechanisms that open up the closed in home to embrace its sun-drenched location. Georgina Wilson Architect injects a new purpose into a tired home, resulting in one that makes the most of its location and firmly connects it to its site.