CLOVELLY HOUSE

Project Brief & Design Intent

Clovelly House involved the transformation of the owner’s original childhood cottage into a contemporary family home better suited to modern living. The existing structure was partially demolished and reworked into a three-level residence with a pool, while retaining key elements that reference the home’s original character. Exposed rafters, sandstone cladding and traditional roof forms were preserved or reinterpreted, maintaining the cottage’s historic charm within a more contemporary framework. Internally, new timber floors, vaulted ceilings and large openings introduced greater light, openness and improved connections to outdoor spaces.

Construction & Craftsmanship

The construction of Clovelly House required a careful and considered approach, balancing the retention of the original cottage with the introduction of substantial new works. Partial demolition and rebuilding were undertaken to accommodate the new three-level arrangement, demanding close coordination to ensure structural continuity and consistency across the house.

Integrating contemporary construction within the retained fabric of the original home required particular attention to transitions, junctions and changes in level. The relationship between old and new elements was carefully resolved so that additions did not read as separate interventions, but as part of a cohesive and unified whole.

Throughout the build, craftsmanship focused on achieving clarity and continuity — ensuring that material changes, structural connections and spatial shifts were handled with restraint and precision. This measured approach allowed the character of the original cottage to remain legible, while supporting the delivery of a functional, robust and contemporary family home suited to long-term living.

Material Palette

Material selection balanced the retention of the original cottage character with contemporary finishes suited to modern family living.

→ Sandstone Cladding: Retained externally to preserve the home’s traditional coastal identity and connection to the original cottage.

→ Exposed Rafters: Maintained internally as a key feature, reinforcing the character and memory of the original structure.

→ Engineered Timber Flooring: Introduced to add warmth, durability and continuity across living spaces.

→ Marble Bathrooms: Selected for their refined appearance and long-term performance.

→ Lining Boards & Vaulted Ceilings: Used to enhance light, height and spatial openness.

→ Hardwood Decking & Large Openings: Strengthen indoor–outdoor connections, improving light, ventilation and everyday usability.

Together, these materials allow the home to retain its original character while supporting a more open, light-filled and functional contemporary family environment.

Client & Architect Experience

From the outset, the project benefited from strong alignment between the client, architect and builder. This clarity allowed decisions to be resolved efficiently as works progressed, particularly where new construction met retained fabric. The result was a process that remained focused and considered, supporting a smooth transition from the original cottage to a contemporary family home.

Outcome 

Clovelly House successfully transformed a much-loved childhood home into a contemporary family residence while retaining the defining elements of its original character. The completed project delivers increased space, improved functionality and stronger connections to outdoor living, balancing heritage reference with modern comfort.

The project was recognised as a Winner at the Randwick City Architecture and Urban Design Awards 2017, acknowledging the quality of the design outcome and the successful integration of traditional character with contemporary living requirements.

A modern two-story house with a stone facade and a white fence, topped with two tall palm trees, underneath a partly cloudy blue sky.
A minimalist interior with light wood flooring, a staircase with light wood steps, a white wall with a small round decorative piece, a wooden bench beneath a framed ocean painting, and a wooden handrail on the staircase.
Interior view of a modern, minimalistic staircase with light wooden steps, white walls, and a potted plant beside the stairs, with large windows letting in natural light.
Bright, modern interior with white walls, high ceiling, wooden floor, a pink armchair, potted plant, and abstract artwork.
Bright, modern stairway landing with white walls, wooden floor, two hanging pendant lights with gray and white shades, and large windows with view of trees outside.
Bright white room with a skylight, two potted plants, a small wooden stool, an abstract artwork, and a peach-colored chair.
Interior view of a modern home, showing a stairway leading down to a living area with large windows and white walls, and an adjacent small room with a sloped ceiling, patterned floor tiles, and a toilet.
Modern living room with white walls, a small wooden table, a sofa, and large windows with curtains, seen from a partial upstairs view.
Modern living room with white walls, large window, fireplace, dining area with wooden table and white chairs, potted plants, and minimal decor.
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, a white island with a gold faucet, wooden bar stools, hanging white pendant lights, and large sliding glass doors leading to an outdoor garden.
Bright, modern dining and living room with large sliding glass doors, a wooden dining table with eight chairs, a white sectional sofa, a fireplace, and a skylight.
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Open-concept kitchen and dining area with white walls and wooden flooring. The kitchen has a white island, built-in appliances, and pastel-colored chairs around a wooden dining table. Large sliding glass doors lead outside, and a staircase is visible
Modern living room with a wall-mounted TV above a fireplace, open shelves with decorative items, a potted plant, and a large wooden dining table with white chairs.
Modern kitchen with white cabinetry, marble countertops, blue upper cabinets, pink flowers, and wooden accents.
Modern bathroom with a white marble counter, black fixtures, and minimalist decor.
Outdoor covered patio with wooden decking, outdoor seating, and view into a modern open-concept kitchen and dining area with white walls and wooden accents.
Outdoor patio with wooden flooring, a white ceiling, and a white privacy fence. Features a black outdoor sofa with cushions, a matching armchair, potted plants, and a built-in barbecue grill on the right.
Modern two-story house with white and beige exterior, palm trees in front, and a driveway with a garage door.
A modern two-story house with a light gray exterior, stone accents, and a white picket fence, surrounded by palm trees
A modern house with a stone facade, white balcony railing, and exterior lighting, framed by tall palm trees and a white picket fence.
Modern house with large glass windows showing a cozy living room inside, backyard with a swimming pool, and sunset sky.
Modern multi-story house with large glass windows, a wooden deck, a small swimming pool, and outdoor lighting at dusk.
Modern house with a backyard pool at dusk, featuring a wooden deck, sliding glass door, and outdoor seating area.
A modern, two-story house with large windows and a backyard pool, illuminated in the evening.
A modern two-story house with a balcony, large sliding glass doors, an outdoor seating area, a wooden privacy fence, and a swimming pool at dusk.