Nestled among the quiet treetops at the end of a steep, hillside property along Sydney's Northern Beaches, floats a black treehouse. The original home posed a variety of structural and logistical difficulties for the young family who had purchased it, including its elevated access, staggered living zones and holistic flow. The clients sought help from local architecture studio, North by North to explore the potential of the property and transform it into a family home that is both functional and unique in its aesthetic.
North by North, founded in 2020 by architect Ruth McKenzie, specialise in sustainable design and interior architecture. Ruth, a local Northern Beaches mother, is passionate about creating spaces that resonate with her clients and the surrounding environment, with her love of the unique lifestyle of the Northern Beaches a driving force behind her projects and love for design. This language of love inspired much of the design of Tree House, balancing aesthetics with environmental consciousness and connection to the natural environment.
With this house alteration project, an additional 60sqm was added to the property, comprising an entrance, expanded deck and a combined living and kitchen space. The addition, which serves as a multifunctional hub was intended to coalesce the entry with the rest of the home, acting as the central spine of the home and creating a smooth transition between spaces.
The clients and North by North opted for an open plan layout, allowing for adaptability and functionality with a growing family in mind. Seamless indoor-outdoor connection and facilitation of natural lighting into the home amplifies the openness of the space, as well as its connection with the surrounding environment.
The façade of the home resembles a treehouse, with the exterior clad in sleek black custom orb finish and floating softly above the leafy canopy. A timber-clad storage area occupies the ground plane, doubling as a protected approach to the homes entryway. In order to retain the homes connection to its surrounds and amplify its treehouse vibe, the pre-existing trees were woven into the deck's design.
Nestled among the raw and lush bushland, large window boxes were incorporated into the homes design to frame spectacular natural vistas. Retractable sliding doors between the kitchen, living area and deck facilitate connection with the outdoors, whilst enhancing a sense of openness and spaciousness within the home.
This unique build balances fun family living with relaxing comfortability, perfectly tailored for the Northern Beaches lifestyle. This was successfully achieved whilst also prioritising connection with natural surrounding and environmental consciousness. The thoughtfully designed additions to the existing family home ensure that for generations to come, the clients will delight in living in this coastal residence nestled among the treetops.
To see more of North by North's exciting work, you can head to their CO-architecture company profile, where you can learn more about their studio, services and other projects like Cox's River Road.
PROJECT DETAILS
Location: Northern Beaches, NSW
Architecture: North by North
Builder: MJK Building
Photographer: Simon Whitbread
