High Tor
The site offers unique challenges and opportunities for architectural exploration due to its location on Castlecrag's eastern edge, surrounded by bushland. This serene environment boasts stunning vistas that thoughtful design can enhance. The steep terrain allows creative integration of the residence with the landscape, strengthening indoor-outdoor connections. By redesign, we can optimise spatial arrangement to embrace views of Peach Tree Bay and Middle Harbour by orienting living areas toward these sights, maximising natural light and the northern aspect. Simplifying circulation will enhance access while connecting with the topography. Large windows and open-plan designs can create an airy atmosphere and facilitate transitions between spaces. Elevated terraces or balconies can serve as viewing platforms to immerse occupants in the surroundings. Overall, the redesign should focus on functionality while celebrating the site's natural beauty, providing a refreshed living experience in harmony with its characteristics.
The alterations and additions address these issues and provide much needed upgrades to the external finishes. The work also reinstate views through the site from the bushland reserve beyond to Middle Harbour, one of council’s main objectives of this site.
A primary challenge of this project was compliance with the height datum of the site against the bulky square and non-compliant form of the existing dwelling. This is achieved through the segmentation of the existing square roof form which both informs the internal programme of the house and provides greater compliance with council’s height limit. The main living level is reorientated around a central, protected external courtyard which is accessed from the new living areas of the house along the eastern side.