Located on the central coast of New South Wales next to the Bouddi National Park, with views down to Maitland Bay across the surrounding native bushland, this new house resolves the difficulties of a sloping site, bushfire regulations and a site compressed between neighbouring properties. The plan is a careful negotiation between these constraints while providing for living spaces that capture northern light and the views.

Constructed from brick, the building form is defined by two wings that frame the entry sequence, some mature Angophora trees and a protected flat outdoor area for the children to play. Between the two, a linking breezeway is totally operable. The upper level with its form slightly offset from that below, holds bedrooms and study. The overall form is robust and protective but also porous and able to be opened up as required.

Furniture: Sunken lounge built-in sofa with NSW Leather Co Laguna ‘Cypress’ colour. Lighting: String pendant, Flos via Living Edge, Bollard Lamp, Menu, Lampe De Marseille wall light, Le Corbusier, Anton wall light, Volker Haug, T-mini surface light, Artefact Industries, Crisp wall light, Rich Brilliant Willing, Dome wall light, Allied Maker. Finishes: Bathroom: Floor Tiles – Antilia, Artedomus, Finish #04 & #21, Wall Tiles – Antilia, Artedomus, Finish #05 & #16. Kitchen: Armourpanel timber joinery – Big River Group, Finish Blackbutt, Painted timber battens – Dulux, Finish Buff It, Bench & splashback – Corian, Finish Glacier White, Internal Walls, Timber panelling – ArmourPanel, Big River Group, Finish Blackbutt with whittle wax, Timber flooring throughout – Armourfloor, Big River Group, Finish Blackbutt. Fittings & Fixtures: Kitchen: Oven & cooktop – Asko, Integrated fridge – Fisher & Paykel, Bathroom: Concrete basin – Nood Co, Finish Mid tone grey, Tapware – Brodware, Finish Weathered brass organic. Heating/Cooling: wood burner fireplace – Cheminees Philippe.

Photography: Rory Gardiner