Nick Bell Architects

Corbel House

Corbel House

Corbel House

Nick Bell Architects

ENGINEER
Partridge

ARCHITECT, INTERIOR
Nick Bell Architects

CONTRACTOR / BUILDERS
PMD Build

PHOTOGRAPHS
Justin Alexander

AREA
1696 m²

YEAR
2024

LOCATION
Seaforth, Australia

CATEGORY
Houses

Text description provided by architect.

A striking residential project has emerged on a challenging waterfront site, seamlessly blending medieval architectural principles with contemporary design.

Corbel House
© Justin Alexander
Corbel House
© Justin Alexander

Dubbed "Corbel House," by designers Nick Bell Architects, this innovative family home maximizes spatial efficiency while harmonizing with its natural surroundings.

Drawing inspiration from the medieval corbel — a stepped architectural element projecting from walls to support weight — Nick Bell Architects used the age-old principle to meet the challenge of building on a narrow strip of land with a steep slope, difficult access, council height considerations and desire to maintain the ecology of the expansive waterfront site (1696 sqm).

Corbel House
© Justin Alexander
Corbel House
© Justin Alexander

The result is a three-level contemporary home with a 75 sqm footprint that expands to a generous 245 sqm of living space.

Utilizing the corbel enabled a minimal footprint, preserving the site's natural beauty and creating a unique living experience for the family of five - a spacious, light-filled home that enjoys expansive views with a feeling of being embedded within the natural environment.

Corbel House
© Justin Alexander
Corbel House
© Justin Alexander

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, emphasizing the transition between spaces.

Corbel House
© Justin Alexander
Corbel House
© Justin Alexander

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.

"We wanted to create a home that not only solved the site's challenges but also told a story through its architecture," says Nick Bell, lead designer of the project.

Corbel House
© Justin Alexander
Corbel House
© Justin Alexander

"Corbel House demonstrates how historical architectural elements can be reimagined to create thoroughly modern, captivating living spaces that are built to last."

KEY FEATURES OF CORBEL HOUSE INCLUDE

A cantilever design supported by corbels, maximizing usable space on a minimal footprint.

Corbel House
© Justin Alexander
Corbel House
© Justin Alexander
Corbel House
© Justin Alexander

Bespoke elements including laser-cut formwork for the concrete corbels, custom floating steel staircase, and kitchen bench combining pre-cast concrete and brass.

Sandstone exteriors, solid sandstone lintels and cobblestone paving that pay homage to the corbel's historical roots.

A material journey from heavy concrete on the ground floor to lighter materials on upper levels, chosen for both aesthetic appeal and longevity.

Corbel House
© Justin Alexander
Corbel House
© Justin Alexander
Corbel House
© Justin Alexander

Full electrification with a 36-panel solar system including 36 micro inverters, heat pumps, Enphase batteries and a rainwater tank.


Panoramic views and bushland vistas from every room.

Corbel House stands as a testament to the timeless strength and relevance of aged-old design principles to solve challenges - looking back to move forward.

Corbel House
© Justin Alexander
Corbel House
© Justin Alexander


Corbel House
© Justin Alexander
Corbel House
© Justin Alexander
Corbel House
© Justin Alexander
Corbel House
© Justin Alexander
Corbel House
© Justin Alexander
Corbel House
© Justin Alexander


Corbel House
Section
Corbel House
Elevation


Corbel House
Ground Floor Plan
Corbel House
First and Second Floor Plan
Corbel House
Site Plan

Nick Bell Architects
T +61 29 6993572
Nick Bell Architects
Level 2/27 Renny St, Paddington NSW 2021, Australia