Architecture

A Layered House With Sweeping Views

Today’s home is perched on the steep slopes of Mount Eagle, with a sweeping outlook over its leafy surrounds. The layered home has been thoughtfully designed to maximise views, while maintaining a sense of privacy and seclusion for the owners amongst a canopy of trees.

We chat to Patrick Kennedy of Kennedy Nolan Architects about reaching the architectural holy trinity of ‘amenity, privacy and aspect’ in this complex, exceptional design!

Written
by
Sally Tabart

The incredible sweeping staircase that corkscrews through the Eaglemont House by Kennedy Nolan. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

The home has been designed using robust materials that will improve with age. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

Injecting creativity into the unique domestic space. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

Despite the grandeur of the Eaglemont House, there is a sense of cosiness within its living spaces. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

The house has been designed in several ‘layers’. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

Bathroom details. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

If such a thing as swoon-worthy storage exists… this is it! Photo – Derek Swalwell.

Natural cement is a dominant material used. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

The house has been designed to grow into the surrounding landscape. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

Pre-aged copper provides a unique point of difference for the Mount Eagle Home. Photo – Derek Swalwell.

Contrasting exterior materials. hoto – Derek Swalwell.

Photo – Derek Swalwell.

Writer
Sally Tabart
23rd of August 2018

The Eaglemont House by Kennedy Nolan Architects is a true unfolding delight, evoking a distinct sense of drama as you walk through the various spaces.  Patrick Kennedy explains how his studio carefully considered the ascent and descent through the space, creating continuity and connection through each level, ‘to make the vertical relationships as effortless as the horizontal connections.’

The verticality of the site is informed by the steep slopes of Mount Eagle, which Patrick explained offers ‘superb, uninterrupted views to the North and East.’ These dreamy views are equalled by a sense of cosy seclusion, as the home nestles into a blanket of mature tree canopies. Win win!

Patrick describes the client brief as requiring ‘a four-bedroom house with study, playroom, gym and large garage.’ An ambitious vision given the steep terrain, but one which is resolved with aplomb in this elevated home. The white feature staircase that cork-screws through the living space lends a bold, sculptural statement upon entry, and throughout the home, unexpected moments of creativity abound.

The property has been built to ‘grow’ into the landscape, and become increasingly ‘hugged’ by the surrounding canopy. Accordingly, the home is built from ‘robust materials which will improve in appearance as they show signs of age’ Patrick enthuses. The most distinctive material choice, perhaps, is the bold pre-aged copper cladding used across the building’s exterior, with its bright turquoise, slightly chalky finish.

This home elegantly captures the comfort of a secluded domestic space, with the grandeur of a cliff-side fortress. With a surprise around every corner (detailed timber flooring, metal lined cupboards, the dramatic splash of the blue), this a visionary family home, full of unexpected wonder.

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