Sydney and the Southern Highlands: Art, Architecture & Design 2024

Day 1: Wednesday 15 May, Sydney: Paddington, Redfern, Balmoral & Northbridge

• Short Welcome Meeting at 9.00am
• Little Napier House by Simon Robert Hanson, SRH Bureau, Paddington
• Riley’s Terrace by Adele McNab, Redfern
• Balmoral House by Steven Fighera CHROFI
• Northbridge House by Blake Letnic, Blake Letnic Architects (BLa)
• Welcome Dinner at Café Sydney

Please meet in the foyer of the Paramount House Hotel at 9am.

Following a short welcome meeting, we transfer to Paddington where we meet with Simon Robert Hanson, principal architect of Bureau SRH, to view his Little Napier House which received the RAIA NSW Chapter Architecture Award for a Small Project in 2012. Here two heritage-listed terraces houses were combined to create a larger home for a growing family, and the footprint of the two houses was reduced in order to include a pool in the backyard.

Next, we visit Adele McNab’s Riley’s Terrace which was the recipient of the NSW AIA Award for Residential Architecture (Alterations & Additions) in 2021. The jury citation states ‘Riley’s Terrace is an example of the successful balance between a tight inner-city site, modest budget, and desire for maximised flexible space. Through inventiveness, adaptability and a strong understanding of the site, the architect has delivered a small and beautiful home for herself and her family. Spaces are versatile and changeable with time and requirement, creating a distinct series of interconnected rooms which optimise their use through cleverly designed joinery, storage and materiality. Simple and elegant materials in warm muted tones carry through the home, imparting an atmosphere of calm and retreat. A tight budget has been thoughtfully allocated, with a restrained and consistent approach. A spiral stair allows for greater storage, reduced circulation and enhanced usability of the rooms.’

We continue to Balmoral located in the suburb of Mosman in Sydney’s picturesque Lower North Shore where there will be time at leisure for lunch at one of the beachside cafés. Next, we meet with Steven Fighera, Project Director for CHROF, for a tour of Balmoral which he designed. This project exemplifies the talents of this award-winning practice. Designed around a series of courtyards, the house appears single story from the street yet features a number of levels due to its sloping site. The interior and exterior spaces are ‘blurred’ with generous glazing.

We end the day with a visit to Northbridge House designed by Blake Letnic Architects. Due to be completed in 2023, the project involves significant alterations and additions to a dwelling house on a steep slope overlooking Sydney’s North Shore. The house appears relatively modest from the street. However, once past the front door, the home reveals a number of surprises including double height spaces and a curvaceous staircase that provides a sculptural presence.

This evening we enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.  (Overnight Sydney) D

Day 2: Thursday 16 May, Sydney: Castlecrag, Waterloo, Darlinghurst, Milsons Point & Waverton

• Duncan House by Walter Burley Griffin with addition by Weir Phillips Architects, Castlecrag
• Private studio of Marion Borgelt, Waterloo
• Light lunch at Two Good Co. Cafe at Yirranma Place, Darlinghurst
• Horizon Apartment, by Stephen Collier, Stephen Collier Architects, Darlinghurst
• Seidler Penthouse, Milsons Point with architect, John Zhao
• Angophora House by Richard Cole, Richard Cole Architecture, Waverton

We begin this morning with a visit to Duncan House in Castlecrag, a fine example of the work of Walter Burley Griffin. It is one of the original houses in the Castlecrag area, which were all built in the 1920s-1930s. The house is a diminutive yet perfectly proportioned example of Griffin’s work, using his patented knitlock concrete, ribbed and gracefully crenelated, yet grounded in the earth through the use of heavy rusticated protruding stone corner piers. The dwelling is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register. Weir Phillips Architects were commissioned to redesign a sensitive addition to the diminutive dwelling, replacing an earlier 1980s extension. This project was featured on Season 5 Episode 1 of Restoration Australia.

By appointment we visit the private studio of artist, Marion Borgelt. Originally trained as a painter, artist Marion Borgelt’s practice now includes painting, installation, sculpture and mixed media. Represented by the Sally Dan-Cuthbert Gallery, Borgelt’s work draws inspiration from universal themes such as life cycles, cosmology and optics to create visually spectacular work.

Following a light lunch at the Too Good Co. Cafe at Yirranma Place we view the Horizon Apartment by Stephen Collier. Harry Seidler’s Horizon is a landmark building, not just in Darlinghurst, but in the broader environs. Constructed in the late 1990s in the ‘round’, the apartments fan out to the views. Angular interior walls create unexpected spaces. Award-winning architect Stephen Collier has worked with the ‘spatial jigsaw’ of the 70-square-metre floor plan within this apartment to create flexible spaces.

Next, we transfer to Milsons Point where we meet with architect, John Zhao from Seidler & Associates, for a private tour of the stunning penthouse apartment. A description of the penthouse is given by Sydney Living Museums: “Entry to the penthouse is into a space two storeys high, with a presentation theatre and facilities for entertaining. A half-elliptical Indian granite dining table allows guests to sit at the curved side of the table so that they can see the splendid water view; the hosts sit on the opposite side, facing their guests. A curved stair leads to the upper floor lounge, study and master bedroom suite. Within the straight outline plan, flowing curves enrich the open interior. Only the artworks (by Albers, Stella, Lichtenstein, Mais, Perry and Noland) are colourful in contrast to the neutral grey, white and black interior.” Please note: Photography, both inside & outside, of the Seidler Penthouse is strictly prohibited!

In Waverton we meet with Richard Cole, of Richard Cole Architecture, for a tour of Angophora House which featured in ABC’s Dream Build series and in Better Homes and Gardens on Channel 7. This light-filled two storey home was built for his retiring parents on a block which featured magnificent angophoras and district views. (Overnight Sydney) BL

Day 3: Friday 17 May, Sydney: Birchgrove, Balmain & Summer Hill

• Birchgrove House, by Brian Zulaikha of  Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects, Birchgrove
• Wurrungwuri by Carter Williamson Architects, hosted by Shaun Carter, Principal, Birchgrove
• Fisherman’s House, by Studio Prineas, Birchgrove
• Zulaikha Laurence House, by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects, Balmain East
• Wisteria by Carter Williamson Architects, Summer Hill

This morning we transfer to Birchgrove to meet with a representative from Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects, for a visit to the Birchgrove House which received the AIA NSW Architecture award for Residential Architecture (Houses Alteration and Additions) in 2021. The clients approached Brian Zulaikha, several months after a visit to his home in Balmain. Drawn to the house’s rich materiality and connection to the natural environment, the couple asked Brian if he would design their own home; a run-down, Victorian era, harbour front in neighbouring Birchgrove. Despite the house’s dilapidated and slightly ramshackle appearance, its character shone through to the clients and a brief was developed to retain as much of the original fabric as possible. This respectful embrace of the existing building’s quirks defined the project’s conceptual framework and construction methodology. The house itself is a rich, textural composition of charred timber, concrete, brick, copper and spotted gum timber panelling and cannot be understood without reference to its garden. Tiered landscaping on every level enables cascading Australian native vegetation to drape over intricately detailed balustrading; working with the vision of minimising “house” and maximising “landscape”.

Cater Williamson Architects is an award-winning practice that’s recognised for its bespoke homes, whether new houses or alterations and additions to period buildings. We shall visit a recently completed house designed by principal, Shaun Cater. Located in the coveted suburb of Birchgrove, this new house demonstrates the artistry and skills of this practice. Known as “Wurrungwurri”, this late Victorian sandstone house has been imaginatively extended by Carter Williamson Architects. In contrast to the home’s original ornate gabled facade and bay window, the home conceals a dramatic contemporary addition that beautifully responds to the fall of the site.

While in Birchgrove we also meet with a representative from Studio Prineas to view Fisherman’s House which beautifully combines the past – a timber cottage with a striking contemporary design. Using the idea of memory as a design cue, the house features a striking contemporary off-formed concrete tower that’s nestled against the sandstone cliff edge. The project was shortlisted in the 2023 Australian Interior Design Awards and featured in Wallpaper*.

Following some time at leisure for lunch in Balmain we visit the Zulaikha Laurence House by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects (TZG). Completed in 2006, the house was a recipient of both the 2007 RAIA National Award for Residential Architecture – Houses and 2007 RAIA NSW Residential Alterations and Additions Award. Former home of award-winning architect, Brian Zulaikha and his partner, Janet Laurence, the eminent artist, Janet Laurence, this house overlooking Blackwattle Bay in East Balmain started its life as a gunpowder store (circa 1918). The bunker-like kitchen, which forms part of the gunpowder store, was extended by Zulaikha into an architectural gem that’s received numerous accolades.

We end the day in Summer Hill to visit “Wisteria”. This period home in Summer Hill has been thoughtfully extended by Carter Williamson Architects. Featuring a two-storey timber clad addition, the home’s rear elevation includes deep timber blades to protect the windows and a generous pergola to restrain the afternoon sunlight. Japanese-style gardens further strengthen the connection to the outdoors. (Overnight Sydney) B

Day 4: Saturday 18 May, Sydney – Gordons Bay – Thirroul – Kiama – Bundanon

• GB House, with Renato D’Ettorre from Renato D’Ettorre Architects, Gordons Bay
• Trent Jansen Studio, Thirroul
• K House, with Renato D’Ettorre from Renato D’Ettorre Architects, Kiama
• Barbecue dinner at The Bridge, Bundanon

This morning we transfer to the coastal suburb of Coogee where there will be time at leisure to enjoy lunch at one of the alfresco cafes.

A short walk takes us around to Gordon’s Bay where we meet with Renato D’Ettorre, from Renato D’Ettorre Architects, for a tour of the ‘GB House’. In 2019 this project was the recipient of the coveted “Wilkinson Award”, the most significant residential architecture prize awarded in the state of NSW. “Above the clear blue sea, this house embodies the spirit of seaside living in response to a magical site – endless ocean, rocky headland and the ideal north-east aspect.  The design is discreet in scale, has a quiet focus and layered materiality, and is sensitive to both site and neighbours providing mystery and privacy along one of Sydney’s busiest coastlines.”  This spectacular house was featured on Open Homes Australia.

After a short coffee break in Coogee we journey south to the seaside suburb of Thirroul to visit the private studio of Trent Jansen. Trent is a multi award-winning designer and Lecturer at the University of New South Wales Art & Design. In March 2023 he was featured in habitusliving after having been appointed to the 2022 Venice Design Biennale Residency. He designs limited edition one-off pieces for the Molonglo Group, and exhibits internationally with Gallery All and Galleria Rossana Orlandi. He also designs products and furniture for Moooi, DesignByThem and Tait. Trent has also exhibited at numerous national and international galleries and design events including the National Gallery of Victoria, London Design Museum, Design Miami, Art+Design in New York City, Art Gallery of South Australia, the Triennale Di Milano and The Ullens Centre for Contemporary Art in Beijing.

Following some time at leisure for lunch in Thirroul we continue south along the coast to Kiama. The K House in Kiama by Renato D’Ettorre Architects is as dramatic as the view over the Pacific Ocean that’s captured from the home’s large picture windows. Taking on a modern interpretation of the coastal aesthetic, the K house features a crisp white interior and an honest expression of materials – concrete and painted brick, powder-coated aluminium mesh and timber joinery. There’s a sense of lightness to this house. And while the interiors are pared back, the ‘devil is in the detail’ – with angular walls, deep crevices for sun protection and a fluid arrangement of spaces. The design beautifully captures the owners’ European heritage while create a fine contemporary home. The house is featured in the Habitus House of the Year series.

From Kiama we journey inland to Bundanon’s new accommodation complex, The Bridge, which offers simple, eco-friendly accommodation surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. (Overnight Bundanon) BD

Day 5: Sunday 19 May, Bundanon – Kangaroo Valley – Bundanon

• Kangaroo Valley House by Nick Turner, Turner, Kangaroo Valley
• Bundanon: Riversdale Art Museum by Kerstin Thompson Architects (KTA): Architecture tour with Mary Preece
• Farewell dinner at Bundanon

Following a leisurely breakfast we visit Kangaroo Valley House, the home of Nick Turner, Principal and Founder of Turner+Associates Architects. The project was filmed in 2019 as part of the ‘Designer Notes’ series produced for AWS to showcase Australian design. Originally designed over 15 years ago, Nick expanded the property by adding a stunning new ‘wing’ which ensures that the surrounding landscape is the undeniable star. During our visit we hear the incredible story of how in November 2020 when the area was engulfed by fire, the house was saved thanks to its carefully designed ‘halo’ watering system which covered the home with an umbrella of water, powered entirely by the robust off-grid power system.

We return to Bundanon for a light lunch and then join Mary Preece for an architecture tour of the new arts complex. Designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects, the complex includes a light-filled contemporary art gallery – partially buried into the landscape. This new art museum was designed to house the Trust’s Arthur Boyd art collection which includes an extensive collection of artworks by Arthur Boyd and his family, Sidney Nolan, Brett Whiteley, Joy Hester and Charles Blackman. “On 1 July 2022 Kerstin Thompson Architects was awarded the highest honour that can be bestowed in the public architecture category of the NSW Architecture Awards, the Sulman Medal for public architecture.”

Following some time at leisure to enjoy the stunning natural landscapes that surround our accommodation we conclude the day with a farewell dinner at Bundanon. (Overnight Bundanon) BLD

Day 6: Monday 20 May, Bundanon – Bowral – Sydney Airport

• Ngununggula Southern Highlands Regional Gallery: Tonkin Zulaikha Greer (TZG)
• Retford Park: private guided tour of the mansion, and renowned Pool Pavilion by Guilford Bell
• Light lunch at the Raw Wild Market & Café
• Time at leisure, optional visit to Dirty Janes Antique Market, Bowral
• Transfer to Sydney Airport

We begin this morning with an architectural tour of the Ngunungulla Southern Highlands Regional Gallery designed by TZG in 2021. Our tour will be led by Brian Zulaikha, former director of TZG, and Director in Charge of this multi award-winning project. Ngununggula, meaning “belonging” in the traditional language of the Gundungurra First Nations people, is the first regional art gallery in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. “Making ‘Ngunuggula’ a reality involved the adaptive reuse of two buildings within Retford Park, a grand Dairy Building and an associated ‘Vet Clinic’, both of which were under utilised and rapidly deteriorating. These buildings, as well as a third contemporary pavilion, were reimagined as a state-of-the-art Regional Gallery for the Southern Highlands.” TZG

Next we enjoy a private guided tour of Retford Park, gifted to the National Trust by James Fairfax. We tour the Victorian-Italianate mansion and visit the interior of the renowned Fairfax Pool Pavilion designed by architect Guilford Bell in 1968.

Following a light lunch at the Raw Wild Market & Café there will be some time at leisure. You may wish to visit Dirty Janes, a permanent antique market in Bowral that offers the best in vintage.

Mid-afternoon we  travel to the Sydney Airport where our tour will officially conclude at approximately 5.00pm. BL