Murra Murra Place
Boasting one of the most scenic settings in Sydney, the site of Prince Henry at Little Bay is loaded with history. Firstly as a significant aboriginal site; since the 1880’s an important coastal hospital with a rich legacy collection of public buildings; and in 1969 the site of the memorable Christo’s “Wrapped Coast”.
This house design is a viewing platform to the amazing landscape and its historical context.
The unique aspect of the development is its simplicity and the reduction to the essential. The client and the Architect worked together to remove all the unnecessary gadgets and accessories normally attached to waterfront property.
The street access flows seamlessly to the open living space – which is designed as a vast platform cantilevered toward the view. The service area turns its back to the view, as a clear separation of work and play. The lower level, in contact with the garden, contains the bedrooms, laundry and garage – strictly functional. No swimming pool, nor family nor breakfast rooms clutter the plan of the house.
The simplicity of the plan disguises the elaborate energy saving and climate control measures adopted that make air-conditioning unnecessary.
Firstly the house has adopted passive solar planning measures; concrete thermal mass; direct solar gain from the north east controlled by retractable awnings and venetians; window placement to capture cooling cross breezes; double glazing; plus maximum wall and roof insulation.
Secondly active measures substantially reduce energy and town water consumption. Grid energy consumption is reduced, by the use of 2MW of photovoltaic cells to generate electricity, solar hot water, gas heating and cooking. Town water consumption to reduced by utilising 25000 litres of stored rainwater.
The house is designed to last – the materials, the sandstone, the concrete and the timber will develop their patina of time and remove the temptations of future owners to rebuild and waste the embodied energy of the building.
Location: Little Bay, Sydney, NSW
Design Architect: Luigi Rosselli
Project Architect: Corrado Palleschi
Builder: Capital Construction & Refurbishing Pty Ltd
Structural Consultant: O’Hearn Consultants
Joiner: Scarelli Joinery Pty Ltd
Landscaper: William Dangar & Associates
Photography: Richard Glover
A minimalist, low-profile residence is partially obscured by a modern vertical metal picket fence. The architecture features a sculptural concrete roof with rounded edges that overhangs a facade of textured sandstone and large glass panels. To the right, a white upper-level volume includes a distinct, curved horizontal cutout.
© Richard Glover
A contemporary coastal home features a facade of textured sandstone and smooth white plaster, set against a backdrop of the ocean. A low sandstone retaining wall and a dark vertical metal fence line the street, framing the minimalist structure. The upper level is defined by a crisp white volume with a rounded corner and a slim horizontal window, while a cantilevered concrete roof provides shade for the lower living areas.
© Richard Glover
A minimalist interior landing features a striking natural sandstone feature wall contrasted by smooth white plaster and large grey floor tiles. A glass-walled staircase with a slim timber handrail descends to a lower level, while a rectangular skylight above floods the space with natural light. The design is defined by clean lines, including a curved corner wall and a simple timber door, emphasising a reduction to essential materials.
© Richard Glover
A spacious, open-plan living area features a vast viewing platform with large windows overlooking the ocean, shaded by retractable horizontal blinds. The minimalist interior includes a long, low-profile grey sofa and a black leather includes a long, low-profile grey sofa and a black leather armchair set on pale grey tiles. A white wall-mounted storage unit with timber shelving and sliding panels provides a functional focal point, while a curved wall leads to a raised timber landing and a matching wooden door.
© Richard Glover
A minimalist master bedroom features warm hardwood timber floors and crisp white walls. The bed is framed by a rich timber headboard integrated into a free-standing white partition wall, which doesn't reach the ceiling, allowing light to flow through the space. To the left, a deep timber-lined window box with internal shutters provides a cozy niche, while a modern ceiling fan and slim, wall-mounted reading lights complete the functional and essential design.
© Richard Glover
A spacious rooftop viewing platform features a pebble-ballast floor and integrated timber planter boxes filled with green succulents. A minimalist stainless steel and wire cable railing secures the perimeter, offering an unobstructed, panoramic view of the rugged coastal cliffs and the deep blue ocean beyond.
© Richard Glover
A close-up view of the home's upper level reveals a sculptural concrete balcony and roof slab with smooth, rounded corners. Deep brown external venetian blinds wrap around the glass facade, providing climate control and privacy for the interior platform. The white-plastered balustrade contrasts with the raw concrete soffit and a muted grey-toned lower level, emphasising the house's clean, passive solar design and minimalist geometry.
© Richard Glover
Nestled behind a lust coastal garden and modern wire-cable fence. The design features a prominent white cantilevered balcony with rounded corners that wraps around a set of dark horizontal privacy screens. To the right, an upper terrace with a glass balustrade is protected by a sleek, retractable fabric awning, while the lower level is finished in a muted grey tone with large sliding glass doors.
© Richard Glover
© Richard Glover