Kuring-gai
NSW
Morning Bay House, located in Ku-ring-gai National Park, is a tranquil retreat designed for two empty nesters looking to downsize and reconnect with nature. Set on a private, north-facing plot with access only via a wharf, the home is self-sufficient. Designed to withstand extreme bushfire risks, the house uses fire-resistant materials to create an operable, protective outer skin.
Its open-plan design includes a living, dining, kitchen area that flows into a northern veranda and a secluded southern courtyard, all with panoramic views of Pittwater. The gently curving butterfly roof captures both forest and bay views, while deep eaves provide shade. A wood fireplace warms the house in winter, and high-level louvres promote cross-ventilation in summer.
This one-bedroom cottage offers a sustainable, peaceful sanctuary in harmony with its natural surroundings.
Morning Bay House posed significant challenges: from its steep, bushfire-prone site accessible only by boat to budgetary and environmental constraints. Casey Brown Architecture responded with an inventive, finely crafted design that embraces its bushland setting. The modest structure features a robust palette tailored for marine and bushfire resilience, with beautifully detailed components throughout. Metal screens on gas struts function as both awnings and fire shutters, while metal doors and panels at the rear create a breezeway when open, and protection when closed. Ìý
Inside, the home feels generous despite its compact footprint. Passive heating and cooling enhance comfort, while rich hardwood flooring, door frames, and wall panelling provide warmth against the black metal exterior. Devoid of excess, the design allows the extraordinary natural setting to take precedence, demonstrating how thoughtful architecture can harmonise with, rather than dominate, its environment. Ìý
The bushfire shell delivers indoor/outdoor living fitting the bush meets sea setting. Summer days gazing across Pittwater, feeling you are on another boat in the bay, cooled by sea breezes. Winter nights cocooned around the fire. Afternoons in the bush framed courtyard warmed by Autumn sunshine, sheltered from the wind. Lying in bed watching lighting illuminate Long Nose against an ink black sea and sky. Closing the shutters to use the deck in foul weather.
The compact layout gives individual spaces for everyday living (and storage in the plant room) but opened into one vibrant space for our daughter’s wedding.
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.
