A ‘battle-axe’ block (behind another with a narrow access), the beautiful site on which Pittwater Cottage stands is surrounded by remnant spotted gum forest, and the compact steel and timber-framed house responds to the slope by terracing down the hillside. Architect Richard Cole says that strategy maintains a low profile, both preserving neighbouring views and creating opportunities of expansive views from the upper level of the house. 

“The use of steel framing and a cantilevered driveway allows the retention of the root system of the surrounding trees. Low-pitched roofs, wide eaves and large window seats create a ‘horizontality’ that echoes the western foreshore and screens sun from the western orientation,” he said.

Engineered timber
The high strength-to-weight characteristics of engineered timber were utilised for the concealed structure. Posistrut floor joists were manhandled down the steep access to quickly erect the building platform, while ripped-down laminated studs permitted the thin wall structure to be contained within the expressed steel portal frame.

Tapered blackbutt rafters are simply cleated to the steel structure – the strength of the hardwood permitting the wide eaves and the oiled finish running from inside to outside. The spacing of the rafters with the joints of the plywood ceiling aligns through the building with the vertical cedar battens on the external fibre cement cladding – creating a consistent rhythm and texture. Fibre cement sheeting was a common low-cost material used in early houses throughout the area.
Rooms are only partially enclosed, with glazed infills between the rafters highlighting and floor-level windows exposing the occupants to the enveloping bush, water, shadows and light. 

Detailing is simple and clean, with a restricted palette of materials allowing the surrounding landscape and filtered water views to be revealed. Feature grade 130mm-wide secret nailed jarrah flooring with a matt natural finish provides a rich, warm platform that turns up into the joinery elements.

The house is naturally ventilated, uses energy efficient LED lighting and collects and recycles rainwater.

The owners sought a contemporary dwelling in the tradition of the crafted cottages of the Pittwater area. With its precisely detailed and constructed structure and joinery, modest size and vernacular materials, this house is an embodiment of that idea.

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