Design Overview
Wheeler Heights House is a completed contemporary knockdown rebuild on a narrow, steeply sloping block on Sydney's Northern Beaches. With a 13.41-metre frontage and approximately 6.7 metres of fall, the design makes use of the slope to accommodate a six-car basement garage beneath the main residence. The project also includes a separate two-bedroom secondary dwelling, swimming pool and outdoor entertaining areas, with a minor building-envelope variation resolved through the council approval process.
DA & CC Approval - Northern Beaches Council
More About This Project
The Brief
Knockdown Rebuild on a Narrow, Steeply Sloping Block in Wheeler Heights
The owners wanted to replace their existing home with a substantial custom designed contemporary family residence that made better use of their property in Wheeler Heights in Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Their brief included four bedrooms, multiple living areas, a six-car garage, swimming pool and a separate two-bedroom secondary dwelling.
The property presented several challenges. The frontage was only 13.41 metres wide, with approximately 6.7 metres of fall across the site.
We also needed to consider driveway access, stormwater, the council's 8-metre building height limit, the prescribed building envelope and the impact of the development on neighbouring properties.
The challenge was accommodating everything the owners wanted without allowing the size of the development to overwhelm the site.
The Design Response
Using the 6.7-Metre Slope to Create a Six-Car Basement Garage
One of the most important decisions was making use of the steep slope rather than treating it simply as an obstacle.
We positioned the six-car garage and storage areas beneath the main residence, allowing the owners to accommodate their vehicles without using valuable ground-level space.
The garage floor level was carefully established to achieve a workable driveway gradient from Berith Street.
The main living areas were then arranged above the basement, making better use of the available land while taking advantage of the elevated position.
Working Through Building Envelope and Stormwater Restrictions
The narrow frontage, steep slope and council building envelope restrictions had a significant influence on the design.
We worked through major stormwater issues early in the project and considered the required setbacks, building height, neighbouring properties and vehicle access when developing the floor plans.
The proposed home also involved a minor encroachment into the prescribed building envelope.
We prepared the architectural documentation and planning justification to support this variation through the Development Application process.
The variation was resolved as part of the DA approval.
Creating Light-Filled Contemporary Coastal Living
The owners wanted a contemporary home with generous family living spaces, natural light and views.
We designed open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas that connect directly with the covered alfresco and outdoor spaces.
Large windows were positioned to capture the elevated district outlook while considering privacy and the relationship with neighbouring homes.
The upper level was kept relatively modest in scale to help manage the overall height and visual bulk of the residence.
Incorporating a Secondary Dwelling, Swimming Pool and Outdoor Entertaining
The owners also wanted a separate two-bedroom secondary dwelling, together with a swimming pool and outdoor entertaining areas.
We incorporated a detached 60 m² secondary dwelling towards the rear of the property.
Its position was considered alongside the main residence, swimming pool, landscaping and private outdoor areas to provide practical separation between the two dwellings.
The main home's covered alfresco, with its timber-lined ceiling, connects directly with the family living areas.
Fitting all these elements together required careful planning, particularly given the slope and restricted building area.
Designing Contemporary Interiors for Everyday Family Living
The interior design was developed alongside the overall architectural layout.
The home incorporates a contemporary black kitchen, polished concrete flooring and an exposed-spine staircase with timber dividing columns.
A built-in study nook and upstairs lounge provide additional spaces for working, studying or relaxing away from the main family areas.
These features give the home its contemporary character while making the different living spaces practical for everyday use.
Project Outcome
DA & CC Approved Knockdown Rebuild on a Narrow Sloping Site | Northern Beaches Council
Wheeler Heights House received Development Application approval through Northern Beaches Council, including the minor building-envelope variation, and subsequently progressed through Construction Certificate documentation.
The completed project includes a four-bedroom contemporary family home, six-car basement garage, detached two-bedroom secondary dwelling, swimming pool and covered outdoor entertaining areas.
By making use of the property's approximately 6.7-metre fall, we were able to position substantial garaging beneath the residence while accommodating the owners' other requirements.
The finished home demonstrates how a narrow, steeply sloping suburban block can be carefully planned to provide generous family accommodation, practical vehicle access and outdoor living.
Project Gallery Click Image to Enlarge
