Inspired by Brazilian Modernism – Taylors Bay Residence by Hugh-Jones Mackintosh and Shaun Lockyer Architects

Inspired by Brazilian sub-tropical modernism, Taylors Bay Residence sees layers of richness and warmth injected into its previous framework. Hugh-Jones Mackintosh combines a sense of refinement with bold gestures to enhance the generous internal proportions of the home, optimising its enviable outlook.

On Sydney’s lower north shore, Taylors Bay Residence sits overlooking the nearby bay from which the home takes its name. Its outpost positioning and cleanly articulated openings provide uninterrupted views beyond and through the home to the surrounding landscape and views. The project’s original modernist beginnings were the inspiring muse for the resulting gestures and interventions that have been applied, expressed in its long spans and cantilevered elements. Within this modernist rationale, Hugh-Jones Mackintosh has injected layers of richness, creating a warmth and creating an engaging human scale to the home.

Upon commencement, the client wanted to add a relatability to both the proportions and the materiality of Taylors Bay Residence. They sought to add personality and create a home that reflected them and their values to become the backdrop for their lives in this unique part of Sydney. Spread over three levels, the home is entered at the middle level where guests are greeted by views of the harbour on one side and a more intimate courtyard on the other. In essence, the home is grand – and intentionally so. The bones within which Hugh-Jones Mackintosh had to work almost defy the usual residential footprint and already offer a sense of relief through space and the created volumes.

On Sydney’s lower north shore, Taylors Bay Residence sits overlooking the nearby bay from which the home takes its name. Its outpost positioning and cleanly articulated openings provide uninterrupted views beyond and through the home to the surrounding landscape and views.

In this case however, the aim of the renovation was to humanise these elements. A family home but also a place for entertaining, a level of comfort combined with a heightened sophistication was needed. Through the layers added and the creation of interesting and curious moments throughout, the addition of the owner’s art collection further adds to the diversity of the spaces. The mix between a casual connectedness and a more structured brief almost begets its own style. The resulting palette sees pops of colour combine with warming timber, cool natural stones and a combination of shades of ruby, jade, blue and gold.

Taylors Bay Residence is an eclectic and inviting home, bringing together the vibrance and openness of the Brazilian style together with its roots in modernism. Hugh-Jones Mackintosh has created a home that is non-conventional and offers a refreshing take on the residential condition, where gallery meets home meets place of socialisation.

Hugh-Jones Mackintosh combines a sense of refinement with bold gestures to enhance the generous internal proportions of the home, optimising its enviable outlook.