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Project posted by Nick Bell Architects

Corbel House

View 25 Photos
Location
Seaforth, New South Wales, Australia
Structure
House (Single Residence)
Style
Modern
A cantilever design supported by corbels, maximising usable space on a minimal footprint. Functionally, the design creates a "laneway" to a freestanding garage and workshop access, which was a key feature of the client’s brief. Perched above the laneway, rooms are free to enjoy framed views of the natural surroundings.
A cantilever design supported by corbels, maximising usable space on a minimal footprint. Functionally, the design creates a "laneway" to a freestanding garage and workshop access, which was a key feature of the client’s brief. Perched above the laneway, rooms are free to enjoy framed views of the natural surroundings.
The home's design evolves from a solid concrete base to lighter, more ethereal upper levels, mirroring the ascent from earth to sky. This progression is not merely aesthetic; it's an integral part of the home's character, emphasising the transition between spaces. Using a mix of materials from concrete, timber and steel, the construction and materials embody a commitment to lasting quality - ensuring structural integrity for generations to come.
The home's design evolves from a solid concrete base to lighter, more ethereal upper levels, mirroring the ascent from earth to sky. This progression is not merely aesthetic; it's an integral part of the home's character, emphasising the transition between spaces. Using a mix of materials from concrete, timber and steel, the construction and materials embody a commitment to lasting quality - ensuring structural integrity for generations to come.
Side profile looking out to Sailors Bay.
Side profile looking out to Sailors Bay.
Detail image of the first and second level. Timber and aluminium windows - mixing of materials.
Detail image of the first and second level. Timber and aluminium windows - mixing of materials.
Sandstone exteriors, solid sandstone lintels and cobblestone paving that pay homage to the corbel's historical roots
Sandstone exteriors, solid sandstone lintels and cobblestone paving that pay homage to the corbel's historical roots
Corbel House has two entrances - both as welcoming as each other. This entrance is on the ground floor, walking from cobblestone through concrete to the wood paneled stair and void.
Corbel House has two entrances - both as welcoming as each other. This entrance is on the ground floor, walking from cobblestone through concrete to the wood paneled stair and void.
Floating stair
Floating stair
Study nook looking out to bush land.
Study nook looking out to bush land.
A central steel plate supports the suspended steel stair. The team delivered the curved balustrade - simple line, nice and fine.
A central steel plate supports the suspended steel stair. The team delivered the curved balustrade - simple line, nice and fine.
Staircase constructed within a void with natural light invited in through a skylight. Tasmanian Oak and brass detailing.
Staircase constructed within a void with natural light invited in through a skylight. Tasmanian Oak and brass detailing.
Lounge looking toward the landscaping.
Lounge looking toward the landscaping.
Dining with expansive views.
Dining with expansive views.
Main bedroom featuring concrete wall and timber framing.
Main bedroom featuring concrete wall and timber framing.
Bedroom detail
Bedroom detail
Bespoke kitchen bench combining pre-cast concrete and brass.
Bespoke kitchen bench combining pre-cast concrete and brass.
The top floor of Corbel House combines kitchen, dining and lounge - floor to ceiling glass windows surround the space inviting the view in from every angle.
The top floor of Corbel House combines kitchen, dining and lounge - floor to ceiling glass windows surround the space inviting the view in from every angle.
Lounge area - a spacious, light filled home that enjoys expansive views and feels like you are embedded within that natural environment.
Lounge area - a spacious, light filled home that enjoys expansive views and feels like you are embedded within that natural environment.
Pleasure chamber on the lower ground floor - concrete curved corbels on the inside.
Pleasure chamber on the lower ground floor - concrete curved corbels on the inside.
Hall detail, concrete ceiling.
Hall detail, concrete ceiling.

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Credits

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Architect
Builder
PMD Build
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From Nick Bell Architects

‘Corbel House’ - located in Sydney’s Middle Cove sits on a steeply sloped site, surrounded by natural bush land. The client has a love of modernist architecture and wanted a home for their family of five as the three children mature from teenagers to young adults living at home.

A spectacular spot but challenges existed. The land (18,255 sq foot) is sloped with one side a rock wall falling away to the water and covered with natural bush land. The site has no direct street access, making access for construction difficult.

Nick drew inspiration from the medieval streets of Europe, where buildings ‘hung’ over the narrow, cobbled streets and designed a structure based on a cantilever supported by corbels - meeting the client’s brief, the challenges, council considerations, managing budget by reducing excavation risks and maintaining the site’s ecology.

The end result is a light-filled home with a footprint of 807 sq foot and total living space of 2637 sq foot - expansive views of the water and offers itself as an example of using aged old principles and modern building techniques to solve challenges and build homes that will endure for generations to come.