Project: Balmoral House
Architects: Fox Johnston Architects
Location: Mosman, Australia
Photographs by: Brett Boardman
Balmoral House by Fox Johnston Architects
Fox Johnston Architects, a Sydney-based studio, have designed the Balmoral House in Mosman, a suburb of Sydney, Australia. This contemporary residence is a series of platforms that follow the topography of the site. The lower level contains the bedrooms and bathrooms while the upper level is the social hub of the home where the living areas are located along a media room. It also opens onto an open deck.
The project takes the form of a series of platforms, as buildings responding to the rhythm and topography of the site.
A long linear form to the west contains sleeping areas and bathrooms at the lower level, a garage space at an intermediate level and living areas and media room on the upper level. An elongated pool bounds this form and bleeds into the entry space, forming a shallow pool at the entry courtyard. A cabana is part of the eastern building opening onto a large deck and pool beyond. Above this space is a separate bedroom and bathroom opening onto a deck. Entry to the house is via an open courtyard, leading to a transitional space / lobby area that connects to upper and lower levels at mid way designed to create a gentle change between levels in the building.
The upper level roof flips up to the north opening completely onto a north – east facing deck – sliding external walls and screens become part of the eastern face. The lower level bedrooms lead out onto private decks, with direct access to the pool below. Walls open and close, screened to provide privacy or sun control. The buildings narrow width and orientation allows good cross ventilation and sun filtration throughout each space.
