Pair of Houses

Case study

The design for a pair of new houses in Northbridge takes a fresh architectural approach to dual-occupancy dwellings and urban consolidation.

The design for a pair of new houses in Northbridge takes a fresh architectural approach to a dual-occupancy housing code that encourages urban consolidation.

The site is both beautiful and difficult to build on as it features a rugged terrain of cliffs and rock ledges. These are overlaid by mature angophoras and ferns. The project took care to disrupt the site as little as possible in the location, construction and massing of the houses.

The houses are built of vertical jarrah boards on a steel frame structure. Each house is built on 12 slender steel columns. Double-height rooms with compact plans, generous roof decks, spectacular views and the retained site features create a memorable living environment for residents.

  1. Project type

    Dual occupancy

  2. Architect/Designer

    Philip Thalis with Peter John Cantrill

  3. Location

    • Aboriginal Country: Gamaragal
    • Suburb: Northbridge
    • LGA: Willoughby City Council
  4. Development details

    • Site area (m2): 1,133
    • Number of storeys: 2
    • Number of homes in new development: 2
    • Number of homes prior to development: 0
    • Total number of car parking spaces: 2
  5. Year

    Completed 1995

  6. Awards

    • RAIA, Housing Commendation, 1995, NSW Australia