A Living Sculpture – Jewel House by Stafford Architecture

Set in Rose Bay above Sydney Harbour, Jewel House by Stafford Architecture is a sculptural family home designed to make the most of its site.

With the clients seeking a family home that would provide them with an overall sense of sanctuary and separation from the busy city outside, Stafford Architecture interpreted the brief “almost by creating a living sculpture for the family to reside in,” says Chris Trotta, project architect. The elevated site is blessed with views over Sydney Harbour but is also located on an intersection, and so it was important that the architecture frame the views while providing privacy and protection from the road.

“It was those constraints that made the design challenge all the more exciting for us,” says Chris. Tucking the house back to the rear of the block proved to be the key move that allowed the building to access the views while creating the desired sense of sanctuary. Bedrooms and the study are elevated above the living areas, providing a sense of protection for the spaces below. The architects were conscious of maintaining intimacy and connectedness between spaces, establishing lines of sight between levels and different rooms and through to gardens to create a more layered, nuanced experience. Sculptural curved concrete and glass walls lead the eye and result in a welcoming sense of flow.

Achieving these details required a high level of trust and collaboration between the architects and builders. “With a curved wall, there’s a lot more behind the scene than actually in front, because you only get one go at it,” says Joe Fuda, founder and manager of Innovative Building Services. “You’ve got think way ahead.” But despite the challenges, he says that it bringing the design to fruition is “a dream come true. Seeing the smile to a clients’ face when they first walk in, it makes me feel that we’ve done everything to our best ability.”

With all of the design’s comprising parts working in concert towards a shared aim, Jewel House succeeds in its intention of creating a sculptural retreat for its inhabitants.