- Project: MOSMAN
- Architect: SAOTA
- Location: Australia, Mosman, Sydney
- Year: 2021
- Area: 1150 m2
- Photography: Justin Alexander
The MOSMAN Residence by SAOTA, perched on the dramatic slopes of Mosman, one of Sydney’s most exclusive suburbs, is a landmark project in more ways than one. Not only is it a stunning example of modern Australian architecture, but it is also SAOTA’s first completed project in Australia—a milestone for the award-winning South African architecture firm with a presence in over 86 countries.
A Bold Site and Seamless Living
Built across two adjacent hillside plots, the residence maximizes its panoramic views of Sydney Harbour while offering total privacy through its recessed, terraced layout. The orientation captures eastern views to the water and western exposure to a secluded garden with exposed rock outcrops, allowing for a powerful sense of immersion in the natural landscape.
Working in collaboration with TKD Architects as Executive Architects and Alexandra Kidd Design on interior decorating, SAOTA has delivered a contemporary home that is elegant, spacious, and deeply connected to its site.
“TKD’s creativity and delivery of SAOTA’s vision was a key factor in making this dream home a reality,” notes SAOTA Junior Associate Erin Gibbs.
Entrance and Dramatic Flow
From the upper street, guests enter across a bridge into a double-volume entrance hall, which immediately frames uninterrupted views of the harbour through the full depth of the house. The bold sculpted facade facing the water contrasts with the understated street-facing side, creating a dynamic duality of privacy and presence.
Indoor-Outdoor Living Redefined
A defining quality of the MOSMAN Residence is its seamless indoor-outdoor flow—enabled by the temperate Sydney climate and supported by expansive terraces, courtyards, and shaded outdoor lounges.
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Upper Level: Floating bedrooms, covered lounge and dining area, shallow water feature echoing the nearby harbour
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Lower Level: Pool terrace with secluded hot tub, covered outdoor lounging zone, and sun deck capturing winter light
The pool’s monolithic granite finish introduces a deeper, recessive tone that balances the home’s light textures. Water elements on both levels mirror the harbour, reinforcing a constant visual and sensory connection to the coastal setting.
Material Palette and Craftsmanship
The home showcases pristine concrete work, complemented by sandstone cladding—abundant in the area but used here in a contemporary, refined way. Timber and bronze accents warm the minimalist palette, while details like the hand-cut grey granite kitchen island elevate the interior with bespoke craftsmanship.
Interiors by Alexandra Kidd Design introduce moments of softness and sophistication, including highlights of electric blue, a color that harmonizes with the natural blues of sky and sea.
Privacy Through Layers
SAOTA’s multi-layered approach to privacy uses angled bronze louvres to screen neighboring views without obstructing the vistas. Motorized panels near the entry offer flexibility—flooding the house with light or closing off for security and solitude.
A Home for Modern Living
In addition to expansive living spaces, the residence features:
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Five bedrooms
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Cinema room with roll-down screen and blackout blinds
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Wine cellar
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Gym and sauna
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State-of-the-art smart systems and AV technology
The result is a home that celebrates coastal Australian living with a distinctly global design language, delivering luxurious comfort in one of the world’s most spectacular urban settings.
