PROJECT OVERVIEW
Riverfront custom home on the Nepean River, using a central thermal core and advanced glazing to manage natural light, comfort and climate.
Location: Emu Heights, Penrith NSW
Project Type: Custom Home
Site Fall: Approx. 11.4 metres
Site Constraints: Steep Terrain, Drainage & Access Easements
Design: Split-Level Residence
Lower Level: Double Garage, Boat Space & Storage
Additional Spaces: Study, Theatre, Gym, Rumpus & Swimming Pool
Approval: Development Application
Council: Penrith City Council
Design Services: Building Design & Architectural Drafting
Design Focus: Steep-Site Planning, Split-Level Living & Riverfront Setting
THE BRIEF
The owners wanted a substantial custom home that took advantage of its elevated setting while providing generous family living and recreational spaces. The brief included multiple living areas, study, theatre, gym, swimming pool, basement garaging, boat storage and strong connections between the home and its surroundings.
THE DESIGN RESPONSE
The approximately 11.4-metre fall across the site became a major influence on the design.
Rather than creating one large level platform, the main floor was divided across three different levels to follow the natural contours of the land. This reduced the need to force the home into the slope and created a more natural relationship between the building and the site. A lower level accommodates the double garage, boat space and storage, while the main residence contains the bedrooms, living areas, theatre, gym and pool. The design also had to respond to existing drainage, power, access and fire-access easements affecting different parts of the property.
PROJECT OUTCOME
Riverside House demonstrates how split-level residential design can turn a steep site into an architectural advantage. The completed home uses the changing ground levels to create a series of connected living spaces while accommodating extensive family, recreational and vehicle requirements within a challenging site. Its relationship with the surrounding landscape and Nepean River setting gives the residence a strong sense of place without requiring the land to be extensively flattened.
PROJECT GALLERY
