An Exploration of Materials & Contrast - Eagle’s Nest by Ian Bennett Design Studio

From its elevated position on the headland above Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Eagle’s Nest by Ian Bennett Design Studio balances openness to the exceptional views of the coastline, headlands and Pittwater with a strong and grounded form that explores the nuanced qualities of concrete.

The site presented both opportunities and challenges in equal measure, explains Ian Bennett. Visiting the site for the first time, he recalls, “I went up there and I had to control myself. The views and the fact it had no neighbours – it was just amazing.” However, the site’s prominent position, with a footpath running along the street front, a council reserve to one side and crown land to the other meant that, despite the lack of neighbours, it was quite exposed and lacking in privacy. To further complicate matters, it was burdened with the highest possible BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) Flame Zone rating, subjecting the design to an elevated level of compliance.

A key consideration during the design process, Ian explains, was the question of “how to meet the stringent bushfire regulations whilst maintaining a seamless form, with Flame Zone products that are generally designed to be face fixed to the side of a building?” The Flame Zone compliance also informed the building’s robust materiality, with concrete, brick, steel and copper chosen for their fire-resistant properties. To maintain the home’s privacy whilst still capturing the amazing views, a series of operable black louvres line the facade. “The louvres control privacy and also control the sun all year round. They’re grouped into individual banks so the inhabitants can pick and choose how they operate in response to privacy or solar access,” Ian says.

“I went up there and I had to control myself. The views and the fact it had no neighbours – it was just amazing.”

With the rhythmic facade of the black louvres to the lower volume and the subtle reflective copper volume above, from the street, Eagle’s Nest presents a relatively closed face. The defined silhouette emphasises the building’s materiality and long, linear form, which pre-empts the horizon line beyond. “I was inspired by the Brazilian modernism of Marcio Kogan,” says Ian, explaining that, in a rarity for Sydney, the site offers width rather than depth. This provided the potential to respond with a long, horizontal form along the lines of Marcio Kogan’s work. “As soon as I went to the site, I knew it was an opportunity to explore and exacerbate the width; I really wanted to express that,” he says. The two concrete lines above and below the black louvres “were the very first marks I made when I put pen to paper.”

The experience within the home is defined by two key elements – the expansive yet carefully curated views over the water and the coastline, and the concrete that encapsulates each space. While the architecture is first and foremost designed to capture the view, a different experience of the view is created over the two levels. Downstairs, the panoramic view over the water is another reference to the central inspiration of Brazilian modernism, yet upstairs, where expansive stretches of glazing would be the most obvious response, Ian was conscious to offer a more nuanced and controlled experience of the views. The bedrooms evoke a more intimate experience created through the strategic placement of glazing. Framed in this way, the engagement with the view is heightened, drawing one in to look more closely.

Eagle’s Nest by Ian Bennett Design Studio balances openness to the exceptional views of the coastline with a strong and grounded form that explores the nuanced qualities of concrete.

Leveraging the skill of the client, Paul Stines who is the director of Performance Concrete, Eagle’s Nest explores the strength, texture and nuance of concrete as a material. “I love concrete, I always have – it just offers you so many opportunities to explore unique solutions,” Ian says. While the off-form concrete walls were constructed using standard form-ply sheeting, the concrete ceiling/soffit was imprinted with the grain of Oregon timber formwork boards. Meanwhile, the cream polish finish to the concrete floor offers a subtle lustre that further demonstrates the versatility of the material. This is also emphasised by the juxtaposition of the concrete with the warmth of bronze fixtures and fittings throughout the house. “The warmth of the bronze offers a great contrast to the coolness of the concrete and white painted brickwork – it’s about constantly playing textures off each other,” Ian says.

To maintain the integrity of this approach, Ian specified ZETR trimless, fully flush electrical outlets and switches. Not only did the minimalist profile harmonise with the modernist interiors, but ZETR was able to create a custom bronze faceplate that emphasises the sense of continuity and attention to detail that defines Eagle’s Nest. ZETR founder Garth Elliot explains that when Ian first spoke to him about the project, ZETR was in the process of designing the new ZETR_carbon range. Launched late in 2019, the range was driven by a desire to allow designers to completely customise the finish of their electrical fixtures. “It has been our goal to constantly redefine our experiences with electrical fixtures in our lives. How do we make them a refined and balanced detail? It was this approach and working with Ian Bennet on the Eagle’s Next project that really inspired ZETR_carbon,” Garth says.

“I love concrete, I always have – it just offers you so many opportunities to explore unique solutions.”

In addition to designing the custom bronze faceplate, ZETR worked closely with Ian and the builder to resolve the significant challenges of installing the product in both off-form concrete and brick walls. Working with concrete, “you only get one shot at it,” Ian says. “The time and effort required by every trade was enormous because you only have one chance to get everything right.” Not only did the nature of the off-form concrete mean there was only one chance to install all the wiring and confirm the placement of each switch and outlet, but it was necessary to ensure the sheer weight of the concrete did not simply crush the product once it was installed. For this reason, Garth explains, “people would never before have attempted off-form concrete and flush electrical fixtures, but with much testing and problem solving, we made it possible.”

“It has been our goal to constantly redefine our experiences with electrical fixtures in our lives. How do we make them a refined and balanced detail?It was this approach and working with Ian Bennet on the Eagle’s Next project that really inspired ZETR_carbon.”

Meanwhile, the brick walls required the mounting assemblies to be pre-cut into the bricks, and with over 60 points installed in brick walls, it was a meticulous process driven by a need for the highest quality detailing. Both in working through these challenges and in developing the custom bronze finish, ZETR’s collaborative approach was essential. “That’s what I loved about working with ZETR,” Ian says. “They always said yes – no matter what I suggested, Garth would never say ‘that’s impossible’. ZETR understood what we were trying to achieve, and they made it happen. It’s so good when you can work with people like that.” For Garth, this proactive attitude reflects ZETR’s foundational belief that a collaborative approach is essential to achieving exceptional design outcomes “We like to think we can collaborate with people, rather than just sell them a product and walk away. From our perspective, it’s a joint project,” he says.

“We like to think we can collaborate with people, rather than just sell them a product and walk away. From our perspective, it’s a joint project.”

The commitment of all parties to the vision and integrity of the design is palpable in the final result. From the deep and considered exploration of materials and contrast, to the uncompromising approach to overcoming challenge after challenge whilst maintaining the meticulous attention to every detail, Eagle’s Nest commits absolutely to the creation of a home worthy of its truly unique site.

Eagle’s Nest commits absolutely to the creation of a home worthy of its truly unique site.