Tennyson Point House

On a steep waterfront block facing Sydney's Parramatta River, CplusC Architects + Builders reworked a solid 1960s home into a four-level family residence that steps down from the road to the water's edge. The adaptive reuse stripped out the entire interior, leaving two substantial masonry walls from the original structure, and rebuilt around a re-energised central circulation core that draws in daylight and cross ventilation while opening the house to its north-west outlook.

The plan separates private and social living. Bedrooms sit within a timber-clad volume at the front of the site, screened from the street yet framed toward views across Morrison's Bay. The living and entertaining spaces run further down the slope as a sequence of sun-lit terraces that connect physically to the landscaped waterfront, swimming pool and deck. Held between the two retained masonry walls, these central spaces gain both a clear orientation to the water and privacy from neighbours. Large operable doors and windows dissolve the edge between inside and out, giving the rooms a strong sense of openness and connection to place.

A galvanised steel frame was introduced across the cleared floor plate, removing load-bearing walls and allowing an uninterrupted spatial flow from the internal courtyard through to the outdoor dining terrace. Every element of the frame was designed and fabricated offsite using digital fabrication, which suited a difficult site and sped up installation. Set out on a 5000mm grid, the structure yields a 4800mm internal zone and a 1200mm sub-grid that minimises sheet cutting for linings and joinery and reduces material waste. The generous structural height also makes room for fixed highlight windows and banks of louvres, lifting natural light levels while encouraging cross ventilation and passive thermal control.

The westerly aspect brings heavy afternoon solar load, particularly in summer. Carefully proportioned eaves and timber battening to the north and west filter the sun to a dappled light across the living areas, while the bedroom levels use external aluminium operable louvres tied to an integrated CBUS system, so occupants can adjust each room. In winter the deep eaves and roof overhangs are calculated to let maximum sun reach the primary living zones.

Material choices follow a warm, natural and low-toxicity brief. Timber is used extensively outside, and sandstone salvaged from the demolition returns in the new works, including a new sea wall to Morrison's Bay and other landscape elements. More than 4.5km of hardwood decking wraps the pool and extends the outdoor living space. Inside, the timber is balanced by a crisp modern palette of white Corian and stainless steel bench tops, natural limestone tiles and painted surfaces. The result is a versatile, luxurious home that turns the constraints of a tight waterfront site into a cascade of light-filled living spaces.

Architecture and construction by CplusC Architects + Builders. Photography by Murray Fredericks.