Light Insertion – Vaucluse Residence by MHNDU, BKH and Dangar Barin Smith

As a new addition to its harbour-edge locale, Vaucluse Residence sits comfortably in amongst other light and coastally0inspired homes. MHNDU, BKH and Dangar Barin Smith combine to overlay a consolidated and layered approach to the site, integrating the landscape as a key feature of the home and as an embrace of the surrounds.

Despite its irregular shaped site, Vaucluse Residence sits defiantly and bold, openly connected to the views beyond. Located with aspect that stretches across Sydney Harbour, the elevated home reaches over three levels to ensure an increased visual access and optimise the opportunity of the site. On each level, dedicated outdoor spaces have been created, as rooms and destinations of their own, allowing the functions of everyday life to spill out. Entered from the centre, the overall mass of the home is divided into two distinct wings, creating an interior connecting spine down the centre. Combining forces, MHNDU carves the architecture, BKH the interiors and Dangar Barin Smith the landscape.

Entered from the centre, the overall mass of the home is divided into two distinct wings, creating an interior connecting spine down the centre.

Built by Pimas Gale Construction, together with joinery by In Vogue Kitchens and Joinery, the generous family home is its own self-contained sanctuary. Buffered on all edges by a deep and lushly landscaped garden of established varieties, the built form sits solidly in the centre yet connected in all senses. Hard and soft landscaping elements form the outdoor spaces, with integrated furniture built and clad in timber dotted throughout, following the organic curves found in nature, as meeting spots outside of the main home. A centrally located glazed corridor aligns with an internal staircase that connects the various levels, while also bringing light down deep into the home – ensuring the natural connection is present both inside and out.

Working with the challenges the site presented, the functions of the home fold together with a purpose, shifting to ensure clear connections outward are present throughout. Each of the levels groups activities as well as demarcating public and private spaces. With the ground floor as the main connection to the rear garden and pool, it also houses the gym and sauna. The upper levels then bring the main living, dining, and media space together to the first level, aligned to view of the harbour, with the sleeping areas on the upper most level. White and solid externally in its outer shell, the interior integrates an increased level of warmth using timber surface, natural stone and various textures, while pots of terracotta ground the potted plantings.

Hard and soft landscaping elements form the outdoor spaces, with integrated furniture built and clad in timber dotted throughout, following the organic curves found in nature, as meeting spots outside of the main home.

Enviably sited, Vaucluse Residence is an oasis of generous proportions, cleverly curated amongst its own garden of curiosities and order. MHNDU, BKH and Dangar Barin Smith emphasise the home as a place of both pride and calm, celebrating living outdoors and with nature.