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Located on Balmoral slopes, this high-end apartment development was pitched at ‘empty-nesters’. In response to this brief, the apartments offer the benefits of downsizing and also maintain the benefits of detached house living; separate entries, garden areas and on-grade outdoor spaces, privacy, natural light and cross ventilation to each room. Cross vistas throughout each apartment enhance the sense of space and liability beyond the expectations of a moderate sized apartment.
Award Citation:
This project for a 2 level duplex sets a new benchmark for contemporary and sustainable infill housing. The development sits comfortably into the scale of the neighbourhood…..Both dwellings have a distinct and separate address and privacy from adjoining properties yet each room enjoys ample natural light, views and connection to the carefully considered courtyards and garden spaces that are threaded through each apartment. …… The well proportioned rooms and high quality joinery further makes these apartments feel like homes while the apartment benefits include low maintenance materials and finishes, security undercover parking and lift access…….This development is to be commended for its high quality design, contextual fit and environmentally and socially sustainable approach to infill housing.Awards
Winner: Contribution to the built environment –Mosman Design Awards 2011
Winner: The people’s choice awards – Mosman Design Awards 2011
Winner of the selected design competition for the site -
This image is taken from the master bedroom - the fourth side to the courtyard. The courtyard separates the bedroom and lounge without losing the view from the bedroom and becomes an extension of both. External venetian blinds on each side of the courtyard give privacy to the bedroom.
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Screening and shrouding a section of the island bench gives a semi-private connection between kitchen and eating spaces.
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Lower apartment - looking through to master bedroom.
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Courtyard to lower apartment.
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This image is taken from the master bedroom in the lower apartment. As in the apartment above a courtyard separates the bedroom and lounge without losing the view from the bedroom. The courtyard can be an extension of the bedroom, the lounge or both.
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Following an analysis of views lines, the right planter bed height and plant selection affords the whole water view whilst largely screening the roofs in front.
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The lower apartment entry is separate from the upper. The length of the entry gives the sense of being more removed from the street. The hint of the view beyond and the staggered paving keeps the eye entertained on approach to the front door.
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The timber screens give privacy from the street and also add detail and warmth to the facade.
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A skylight from one storey above to the lower apartment is unexpected and makes the entry feel spacious. The joinery recess opposite the entry expands the space for both the entry foyer and the hall.
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Highlight windows afford cross ventilation and western light into the master bedroom. On the inside, the skillion roof makes the room feel generous, on the outside, it helps the building to read more as a house than a block of flats.
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The light feature makes the journey to the garage something more than just a walk down the communal back stair / fire stair.
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The view beyond is also found in the splash back.
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Date: 2009
Location: Mosman – Balmoral Slopes, NSW
Design Team: Michael MacCormick, Shahe Simonian
Project Architects: Michael MacCormick & Andrew Hallihan
Interiors: Zobel Interiors
Landscape architects: Melissa Wilson Landscape Architects
Structural Consultant: Cardno Low & Hooke
Builder: F.S.Hough P/L
Photography: Adam Craven