Project: Riverview House
Architects: David Boyle Architect
Location: Sydney, Australia
Completed 2017
Photo Credits: Brett Boardman
Text by David Boyle Architect
Located in a leafy north shore suburb rapidly loosing its humble character due to the increasing proliferation of new, oversized real estate, Riverview House is an outstanding precedent in redeveloping and existing lot thanks to its strong connection to site and response to context.
This building explores the notion of room making and is a joyous response to the craftsmanship of building and the natural backdrop of the adjacent Tambourine Bay Reserve and Sydney Harbour. Indoor and outdoor spaces are given the same priority and are layered over a series of stepped platforms down the site to the garden and the landscape beyond. Rooms are created with a sense of self identity while maintaining connections to adjoining spaces in a progressive sequence of changing light and volume. Crafted architectonic elements invite an emotive response, provide separation, and frame views to adjoining rooms and the landscape. Always.
All the spaces have strong connection to the exterior surrounds, whether it be directly into the front and rear gardens, Tambourine Bay Reserve beyond, or to the sky above. Upstairs, the private quarters are just as well crafted and considered, both operable panels providing flexibility and opportunities for acquaintance or solitude.
Riverview House demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and is a celebration of the craft of building. Natural materials are used in a decorative assemblage of surfaces in an organic response to the landscape. Skylights provide direct and reflected northern light and act as a thermal chimney. The architect has taken a rich yet humble palette of materials to ultimately create a very comfortable home.
The design complies with the NSW Housing Code and was approved through a CDC by a private certifying authority. This provided freedom with the architectural expression often unrealised in this form of approval.
