Havenist — Mosman Park House
The renovation of a modest 1960s house on a stunning cliff block in Mosman Park is both dramatic and architecturally significant. A seamless composition of muted tones, austere lines, and stunning outlooks, it is a family home that is both warm and sophisticated.
“The clients wanted separation between adult and children’s areas without sacrificing and ‘dumbing down’ the less formal areas,” says Philippa Mowbray from Philippa Mowbray Architects. “The site is elevated on the riverside and cuts into the cliff on the other. They wanted to maximise its potential by renovating the old house with a connection to outside for their young family - a challenge on a cliff site!”
The extensive renovation project was designed by Philippa Mowbray Architects in conjunction with Taylor Landscaping and stylist Malvina Stone. Adrian Zorzi Builders won the contract to build the home, and the collaboration to bring the project to life began.
“The design sought to use the spaces as a conduit between the two landscapes,” she explains. “There is a transparency, particularly on the living level, that provides an optimum connection. We used a vertical circulation core to separate the formal and informal living areas whilst maintaining a visual connection that enhances a feeling of spaciousness. We also increased the balcony area to the riverside to provide a seamless flow between the rear and the front. The swimming pool was moved to create more usable garden space for the children and entertaining.”
Equitone cladding fixed on a studwork structure was used for the upper floor addition that required a high level of detailing by the Architect and a specialist installer. “The product is great as it’s self-coloured and doesn’t require ongoing maintenance; important given the cliff site and difficulty with access,” she says.
The middle floor embraces an open living space, where huge glass sliding doors usher in soft daylight. A giant plush rug creates a framework for a comfy custom sofa, marble and metal coffee table, and pair of cocooning Désirée Soor chairs.
Behind it sits the kitchen anchored by a vast marble island bench. Its backdrop is a bank of custom cabinetry crafted in stained timber veneer housing drawers, cupboards, and appliances. A solid grey marble lamp sculpted by avant-garde French designer Gilles Caffier perches at one end, and a graphic light from Alti hovers above.
At the opposite end of the space is an elegantly curved timber and glass bar. An intimate sitting space revolving around a circular marble table sits nearby, as well as a small dining room. Its rounded table and gently curved chairs sit beneath a flaring brass light fixture. It looks out onto an alfresco area that embraces the pool and an iconic Amalfi Chair sourced by Editeur from Ralph Pucci New York. Designed by French architect Patrick Elie Naggar, it is crafted from plaster glass, the same material used to make mannequins which the company was once known for before turning it into iconic furniture.
In the master bedroom, pristine hues with a soft quality imbue a serene feel that inspires calm. Subdued furnishing colours instil a luxurious feel, enhanced by the views outside. A plush inky bedhead contrasts with multiple layers of 100% European bed linen by Hale Mercantile Co. A Kelly Wearstler wall sconce provides gentle light. Made from organic carved alabaster and set in a prong setting of rich natural bronze, it imbues effortless luxury and functionality.
Dynamic light features selected by Malvina star throughout this home. A standout includes a Danish brass Kastor light sourced from Hunters and Collectors. Designed in 1969 by Jo Hammerborg for Fog & Mørup, it illuminates dark timber-lined walls and spotlights a custom Hourglass swivel chair from Editeur.
