Twin Peaks by Alwill Architecture and Atelier Alwill

Twin Peaks, designed by Alwill Architecture and Atelier Alwill, beautifully honours the neighbourhood’s rich history while showcasing a reinvention of the home as a stately residence.

The significance of Twin Peaks extends beyond its historical roots; it also commands attention within the landscape. Perched at the highest point of the street, the home boasts a grand scale and architectural form that reflects its unique era, remaining visible from various vantage points across the harbour. Given its visibility and heritage value, the team adopted an approach of minimal intervention, prioritising restoration over alteration. The goal was not to reinvent the dwelling but to reveal its inherent beauty, making it both liveable and relevant for contemporary lifestyles.

Perched at the highest point of the street, the home boasts a grand scale and architectural form that reflects its unique era, remaining visible from various vantage points across the harbour.

Originally built as a Victorian villa, the house has fulfilled various roles, including serving as a school and the residence of notable public figures. Its latest reworking, guided by the discerning hands of Alwill Architecture and Atelier Alwill, is a sensitive rejuvenation. The challenge was clear: to preserve the heritage character of this grand residence while reimagining it for modern family life. An impactful yet delicate intervention involved reconfiguring the internal spaces to enhance functionality while maintaining the integrity of the original architecture. The kitchen, once hidden away in a service area, has been relocated to the former ballroom – a space that now serves as the heart of the home. This strategic move revitalised the entire ground floor, creating a seamless flow between formal and informal living areas. In turn, the original kitchen has been repurposed as a butler’s pantry, adding practicality without compromising the home’s structural integrity.

The outdoor spaces were thoughtfully redesigned, with the existing pool – once a dominant feature – relocated to a more secluded spot within the garden. This adjustment restored the home’s sense of scale. The new pool area, now nestled amid lush landscaping, blends with the natural surroundings, creating a luxurious yet unobtrusive private retreat. Inside, the introduction of light timber floors and American oak elements infuses the space with warmth, while darker tones in the kitchen nod to the home’s Victorian heritage. This balance of old and new ensures that the residence remains true to its origins while feeling fresh and contemporary.

An impactful yet delicate intervention involved reconfiguring the internal spaces to enhance functionality while maintaining the integrity of the original architecture.

Twin Peaks is poised for its next chapter, with each intervention enhancing the narrative of the house. Alwill Architecture and Atelier Alwill have crafted a home that not only meets the practical needs of its owners but also embodies a sense of timelessness and enduring elegance.

Architecture by Alwill Architecture. Interior design by Atelier Alwill. Build by Buildability Constructions. Landscape design by Dangar Barin Smith.