Watershed Architects Projects New Residences, Alterations and Additions, Northern Beaches of Sydney.

Clontarf 02

An existing single level studio space was replaced with a small self-contained dwelling comprising a ground floor living space, kitchenette and bathroom with a bedroom on a mezzanine level. The form was generated from the complexities of the available space between large existing trees, privacy and set-back requirements. A material palette was generated from a desire to reference the existing house while timber, steel and brickwork are used in a compositional form to introduce a previously lacking street presence. A plywood lined interior gives a sense of calm and cohesion to the multi-faceted form.

Queenscliff 07

A large family home over three levels, stepping down a cliff top site overlooking Freshwater Beach to the north. The home was designed to take advantage of the stunning location while providing a private sanctuary for the owners and their young family. Timber and sandstone used throughout the design visually anchor the building to the cliff. Moving through the home, the plan opens up to the north with indoor-outdoor living areas and large windows that give a feeling of floating above the ocean. Retractable blinds, an operable louvre roof and sliding screens to the main terrace provide sun control and the ability to create a comfortable environment year round.

Curl Curl 02

An existing home is given a major transformation with the addition of an upper storey and new entry hall with staircase linking all three levels. Crisp white painted brickwork and black metal detailing give a clean and contemporary update to this family home.

Collaroy 03

A family home planned over two levels with a large open-planned living area on the upper floor. The kitchen and dining area opens to a North facing terrace located on the street frontage, above the garage. The living space connects to the rear garden via a timber deck and wide stairs. A central stair with roof voids and planter beds brings light into the centre of the floor plan and aids in cross ventilation through the home.

Fairlight 02

This renovation involved retaining the steeply pitched gable roof from a previous addition to this traditional bungalow. A smaller gable was removed with new metal roof and fibre-cement wall cladding updated to create an expressive, clean facade that has transformed the original home. A rear extension was removed and new kitchen, dining, living pavilion added with large deck to connect to the North facing back garden.

Warriewood 01

Starting life as a fibro cottage, this home now has flexible spaces for a large family. A new upper level contains the kitchen and living areas to take advantage of ocean views and breezes. In a contemporary take on the original building, new fibre cement cladding is painted white and contrasts with the black aluminium window frames and timber front balcony. Well proportioned outdoor living spaces on each side of the home give options for different weather conditions.

Manly 17

Two owners of each of these semi-detached dwellings teamed together to renovate their homes. The two projects were handled separately but designed to complement each other and the building work was all undertaken at the same time. A second storey was added to each of the homes while maintaining the traditional building form and streetscape. Windows and voids to the upper floor ensure ample light into the South-facing living spaces.

Manly 16

This home was rebuilt from the garage up to take advantage of the premium, north facing site with views out over the ocean. The lower level entry connects to the main living level via a double height space with a sandstone clad wall and timber louvre screen that emphasises the vertical proportions of the space. The living area opens to a front terrace with expansive views over Manly. The kitchen is a connecting space; to the courtyard, living area, the rear of the house and to the bedroom level above via a light-filled void. the site steps up to the rear garden with a swimming pool completing the resort-like qualities of the home.

Manly 15

This project involved a major renovation to take advantage of its ridge top location with views over Manly. With living areas over two levels, screening for privacy while creating a strong indoor outdoor connection were important design considerations. Extensive use of timber, raw finished fibre cement and painted steel has given warmth and a finely crafted appearance to this home.

Manly 14

A Watershed project from circa 2005 gets a makeover with a hidden upper floor and revitalised living areas. This home is tucked away in a tropical style oasis at the rear of a battle-axe block. The new upper level contains a main bedroom, ensuite and robe with a second bedroom and bathroom and is barely visible from anywhere on the site. Clever planning has maximised the potential of this compact footprint while maintaining an indoor-outdoor flow throughout the home.

Collaroy 02

A major transformation to connect and enlarge living areas, create functional outdoor terraces and revitalise all areas of this large family home. Existing brickwork was rendered, new windows were installed throughout, including large sliding doors to connect the kitchen to the adjoining terrace with new operable roof. Elsewhere outdoor entertaining areas include retractable blinds in steel frames to create comfortable living spaces.

Manly 13

A major renovation to an existing home on a narrow site in Manly. Living spaces were reworked for better functional arrangement and to bring northern light into the deep floor plan. Pop-outs to the front and side of the garage create additional storage and give modulation to the new street facade. A built-in bench seat allows a kitchen and dining area to fit into a four meter wide room.

Manly 12

A bespoke family home on a long site that steps down to a North-facing garden. A courtyard introduces light into the heart of the living spaces. The rear living pavilion is constructed using bricks salvaged from demolition of the original cottage to bring texture, thermal mass and a connection to the history of the site.

Queenscliff 06

New ResidenceCarolyn Miles10 October 2023Lawson and Lovell, Queenscliff, Northern Beaches, Timber cladding, Timber screens, Coastal living, More Projects

Roseville 01

This transformation of a traditional home on Sydney’s North Shore, involved reconfiguration of the existing home, demolition of rear extensions and the addition of a modern living pavilion. The pavilion features a high ceiling with clerestory glazing and large sliding doors opening out to a north-facing deck. The orientation ensures optimal shade in summer and sun access in winter.

Mosman 03

A transformation to a traditional villa with a two storey height addition to the rear, allowing sunlight to fill new ground floor living areas and main bedroom suite above. A polished concrete floor is durable and practical in this family home, while windows, doors and expressed framing from Australian hardwood create warmth and scale.

Mosman 02

Conceived as two interlocking boxes, the lower level is rendered white and punctuated with large black anodised windows while the zinc clad upper level is set back. Operable exterior venetian blinds are used for solar control to large areas of glass. The zinc cladding contrasts the crisp white forms of the front façade and frames the building, creating a balanced proportion. This project was an opportunity to develop a different aesthetic for Watershed Design as the original concept was designed by renowned commercial architecture firm fitzpatrick + partners. The original DA was modified and the result is this clean and contemporary home.

Manly 11

The design is generated by the site context, offering privacy while maximising the connection and appreciation of the harbour front locale. Durable materials such as zinc, fibre cement cladding and sandstone are practical and give texture and interest to the building form.

Carringbah 01

A major refurbishment of a waterside home in Sydney’s South. The project involved extensive modification of the original structure to create a contemporary family home, including landscaping, seamless indoor and outdoor living areas, detailed joinery and interior design.

Manly 09

A four bedroom family home on a sloping narrow site, using passive solar design principles to maximise light, keep warm in winter, cool in summer and provide plenty of cross ventilation. Hard wearing materials including a steel frame, polished concrete floors, plywood and fibre cement cladding give a robust aesthetic, achieved on a limited budget.

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Watershed Architects operates on the traditional land known as Kay-yee-my. We wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land; the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We acknowledge all First Peoples of this land and celebrate their enduring connections to Country, knowledge and stories.