Garigal People
NSW
Lagoon house is located along the north outlet of Curial Curial (Curl Curl) lagoon – ‘meaning river of life’. The project responded to the clients brief and beyond: it has engaged with the exploration of space and light whilst sadwiched between two large residences. It reinforces the tradition of elemental architecture characteristics of Peter Stutchbury Architecture in this instance in suburban Sydney.
Entry Court is an extension of the back dunes – the ground floor living introduces scale – light and breeze typical of this place. Stair are lightweight and provide joyful access to a variety of upper level places – bathrooms and laundry practical. Bedrooms buffer both qualities of light, one east one west.
Lagoon house is not precious but relies on the knowledge of daily activities to embellish life, the familiarity of one’s favourite clothing to dwell comfortably – all within the one of Sydney’s landscape.
In the Northern Beaches suburb of Curl Curl, homes jostle for glimpses of the water, and an unexpected density emerges. Lagoon House sits confidently in this streetscape. Fortified against the elements, its copper, concrete, and metal exterior forms a resilient shell, purpose-built to weather sea-spray and coastal exposure.  Ìý
This robust skin is offset by a rich and sinuous, timber-lined interior that glows with warmth and calm. A central void with gills to the side boundary, draws fresh air deep into the plan while a sophisticated upside-down timber saw-tooth ceiling works with a retractable roof to fill the house with a soft natural light. A small, meditative pond bubbles quietly below. Meticulous detailing and refined technique reveal the architect’s confidence and experience. Lagoon House is recognised for the mastery with which it distils complexity into calm – balancing robust materials and delicate gestures to create a home that is alive. Ìý
Our dream was to build a family home that would stand the test of time. Working with Peter to create this legacy has been a personal, metamorphic experience where the outcome has exceeded our expectations. Through design and selection of materials, Peter met all the objectives of our brief.
While situated on a beautiful site with views of the ocean and lagoon, the challenges were weather exposure, lot size, proximity to neighbouring homes. Peter responded with an innovative design that not only provides a connection to the natural environment, but also offers a luxury of privacy and flexibility of space.
The ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
