Clovelly House

Season-sensitive response resolves quirky house with new spaces for thinking, hosting and retreating.

Clovelly House is a renovation of an existing home located in a striking coastal setting. The owners purchased the house from original architect John Bradley, who designed and built the quirky house for himself as part of an unusual sub-division in the 1980s. After living in the house for 12 years with only two bedrooms and one living room, the owners desired additional space.

 

 

The house offers comfort all year round, where different rooms are used depending upon prevailing conditions. The sunny, north-facing living room offers warmth and light.

The south-facing deck and dining area offer a cool retreat in summer. The sunken brick courtyard to the street provides protection from the strong winds while still allowing interaction with the street and views across the ocean.

During construction extensive weather damage was revealed requiring the house to be stripped back and almost completely rebuilt. All windows and doors were replaced and opening sizes increased to take in the views, breezes and light. The exposed coastal location demanded a meticulous design response to ensure longevity and reduce maintenance.

A sensitivity to the environmental and community context has shaped the built outcome. The design provides a series of contrasting rooms that enriches the lives of the owners, providing them with space for thinking, for hosting, and for retreating.

Clovelly House Gallery

Project info	Details
Team	Sam Crawford, Louisa Gee, Ken Warr, Allen Huang, Madeleine Rowe
Builder	Invue Homes
Consultants	Structural Engineer – Cantilever Hydraulic Engineer – Inline Hydraulic Quantity Surveyor – QS Plus Joinery – Square Peg
Council	Randwick City Council
Photographer	Tom Ferguson
Completion	2020

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