Design Overview
Nepean House is a contemporary knockdown rebuild overlooking the Nepean River in Penrith, Western Sydney. The design needed to address significant flood planning requirements while capturing river and Blue Mountains views, maximising winter sunlight and creating generous family living and outdoor entertaining spaces.
DA & CC Approval - Penrith City Council
More About This Project
The Brief
Luxury Custom Home on a Flood-Affected Site Overlooking the Nepean River
Nepean House is a custom designed contemporary family home on a riverfront property in Penrith, overlooking the Nepean River and Blue Mountains.
The owners wanted a spacious custom home with generous living and entertaining areas, quality finishes and large windows that would make the most of the surrounding views.
They also wanted a home designed with passive solar principles to feel comfortable throughout the year, particularly during Western Sydney's hot summers and cooler winters.
The biggest challenge was the property's flood exposure. Before we could begin designing, we needed to establish what could be built and the appropriate floor levels for the new residence.
The aim was to create a comfortable family home that took full advantage of its riverfront location while properly addressing the site's flood planning requirements.
The Design Response
Resolving Flood Planning Requirements Before Starting the Design
Before developing the floor plans, we arranged pre-lodgement discussions with Penrith City Council's planning department to establish the requirements affecting the property.
Flooding was the most significant issue, so specialist flood engineering reports were prepared to help determine the appropriate building levels.
We used this information to guide the position and floor levels of the new home, rather than designing the residence first and trying to resolve the flooding issues afterwards.
This early planning was an important part of developing a home that could satisfy the site's requirements while making the most of its riverfront setting.
Designing for Winter Sun and Western Sydney's Climate
We also considered how the home would respond to Western Sydney's changing seasons.
The floor plan, window positions and shading were carefully developed to capture useful winter sunlight while reducing unwanted heat during summer.
Large areas of glazing bring natural light into the living spaces and provide views across the property towards the river and Blue Mountains.
These passive solar design principles were incorporated from the beginning to help improve year-round comfort and reduce reliance on heating and air conditioning.
Making the Most of the Nepean River and Blue Mountains Views
One of the owners' main priorities was making the surrounding landscape a feature of their new home.
We designed generous open-plan kitchen, dining and family areas with large windows positioned to capture the river and mountain outlook.
The living spaces were arranged to feel open and connected, providing a relaxed environment for everyday family life and entertaining.
The home also features a contemporary entry and staircase, spacious interiors and carefully considered architectural detailing.
Creating Generous Family Living and Outdoor Entertaining
The owners wanted a home that would be comfortable for everyday living but also suitable for entertaining family and friends.
We developed large, connected living areas that allow people to move easily between the kitchen, dining, family and outdoor spaces.
The rear entertaining areas connect with the swimming pool and landscaped grounds, taking advantage of the home's riverfront setting.
Throughout the interior, the emphasis was on comfortable living, practical layouts and quality finishes without making the home feel overly formal.
Project Outcome
DA & CC Approved Flood-Responsive Custom Home | Penrith City Council
Nepean House received Development Application approval through Penrith City Council and subsequent Construction Certificate approval before being completed.
The finished residence provides generous family living spaces, contemporary interiors, outdoor entertaining areas and expansive views towards the Nepean River and Blue Mountains.
The project successfully brought together the owners' lifestyle requirements, passive solar design and the planning challenges associated with building on flood-affected land.
Nepean House demonstrates how addressing difficult site conditions early in the design process can help achieve a substantial custom home without compromising the way the owners want to live.
Project Gallery Click Image to Enlarge
