Land of the Dharawal People of the Illawarra Region
Arke Projects
Felix Forest
The Coalcliff House is the result of a substantial reconstruction and addition to an existing weatherboard residence below the Illawarra escarpment.
The land slopes down to the cliff edge and is in a region notorious for slippage. Substantial piling was required to secure the structure and accommodate a second residence for a parent of one of the clients. It is a multi-generational dwelling with a pair of A-frame houses that are physically connected but allows for privacy.
Elements of the existing structure and façade were retained and integrated into the new work; minimising waste and retaining character. A second level was added to the house for the main bedroom suite that now looks into the gigantic Norfolk Island Pine trees and the ocean beyond. The secondary residence is single level with simple interior detailing – plywood lined and simple tiling – requiring minimal maintenance.
The house is black, lined in charred timber cladding, suitable for its bushfire rating and making it visually recessive on the coastline. Inside it has the warmth of a cabin with textural timbers, copper benchtops and walls of reclaimed brick.