Strata House

Strata House
© Tom Ferguson Photography

Strata House

pH+ Architects

ARCHITECTS
pH+ Architects

LEAD ARCHITECT
Drew Hamilton

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
Fly Engineering

PROJECT ARCHITECT
Johns Scallon

MAIN CONTRACTOR
Harmony Build

JOINER
Joinery By Gabriel

MANUFACTURERS
ALPOLIC, Sculptform, AC Stone Group, AWS, Aquabocci, Astra Walker, Brickworks, Brio, Concreative, Fibonacci , Havwoods, Parisi, Robert Plumb, Sub-Zero, Wolf, supplied by Bellevue Architectural, supplied by Inlite, supplied by Marlow & Finch

INTERIOR DESIGN
H+ Architects

AREA
322 m²

YEAR
2022

LOCATION
Earlwood, Australia

CATEGORY
Houses

Strata House
© Tom Ferguson Photography

Located on a stepped site in Sydney’s Inner West, this new home seeks to adopt clarity and simplicity in response to its complex site.

The brief is split and defined as a series of distinct horizontal strata that are stacked and stepped in response to the site’s topography.

Strata House
© Tom Ferguson Photography
Strata House
© Tom Ferguson Photography
Strata House
© Tom Ferguson Photography

The design and materiality of each reflect the program within.

At the lower level, a tactile new brick structure addresses the street, balancing its contradictory roles of security and entry.

Primary accommodation sits above an ‘elevated ground floor’, with fully retractable glazing opening to both the front and rear, allowing primary living spaces to spill seamlessly out and enjoy all the benefits of indoor/outdoor living in the temperate climate.

Strata House
© Tom Ferguson Photography
Strata House
© Tom Ferguson Photography
Strata House
© Tom Ferguson Photography

Above this, a more private, screened upper-level house bedrooms and projects forward to frame previously unseen views of the CBD and shade glazing below.

Centrally, a double-height dining space with a fully retractable roof light above opens to the sky, bringing daylight deep into the heart of the home whilst capturing further the diurnal cycle and encouraging the use of natural ventilation over mechanical.

Strata House
© Tom Ferguson Photography
Strata House
© Tom Ferguson Photography
Strata House
© Tom Ferguson Photography

The considered sequencing and relationship between spaces fosters an appropriate degree of connection both horizontally and vertically within the home, with the double-height dining space becoming a social space between floors.

A reduced palette of high-quality materials, both internally and externally, reflects the clarity of the design.

Together, they seek to create an understated yet uplifting backdrop for domestic life.

Strata House
© Tom Ferguson Photography
Strata House
© Tom Ferguson Photography

The new home is confident yet neighborly. Bold, yet considered. Conceiving the building as a series of strata, with differing setbacks at each level, allows the overall mass to be broken up and a balance to be struck between positively addressing the streetscape whilst being considerate to neighbors.

Similarly, the need for privacy (introvert) is balanced with the desire to be open (extrovert).

Strata House
© Tom Ferguson Photography
Strata House
© Tom Ferguson Photography

This is reflected through the overall composition and material selection, both driven by the immediate context.

Coupled with great attention to detail, the new home provides a contextual response that contributes positively to the neighborhood.

Strata House
© Tom Ferguson Photography
Strata House
© Tom Ferguson Photography

Upon arrival, a gentle glow emanates from gaps formed in the brickwork at the lowest level, greeting visitors and residents alike. Welcome home.


Strata House
Elevation
Strata House
Elevation
Strata House
Axo


Strata House
Plan - Basement
Strata House
Plan - Ground floor
Strata House
Plan - First floor
Strata House
Section