The challenge with this project lay in addressing a poorly planned earlier addition that had left the home with awkward interiors and limited usability. The spaces were difficult to furnish and failed to capitalise on the magnificent outlook. The brief called for a modern re-plan that delivered functional interiors, generous outdoor entertaining, and easy indoor-outdoor flow.
The design solution was to simplify the interior layout, creating a new kitchen, meals area, and family room that opened directly onto a spacious entertaining terrace. Each interior zone was clearly defined yet remained flexible, open for family gatherings or closed off for more intimate use.
The transformation created a stylish, modern residence that embraces light, views, and functionality. By introducing a large, covered roof across most of the terrace, the home provides outdoor comfort year-round, sheltered from the western sun while enjoying sweeping landscape and harbour views.
The interiors flow naturally into the outdoor areas, achieving the balance of openness, connection, and privacy the clients desired. The result is a home that feels contemporary, cohesive, and ideally suited to everyday living and entertaining.

Ku-ring-gai is one of Sydney’s most prestigious municipalities. Playoust Churcher Architects provide expert guidance to ensure you realise your property’s and project’s value.
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North Sydney’s Council regulations for residential renovations can be complex. Playoust Churcher Architects understands the nuances and offers expert and experienced advice.
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Lane Cove Council prioritises sustainability and bushland preservation, often requiring careful environmental considerations.
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Hunters Hill, one of Sydney’s oldest municipalities, has strict heritage conservation rules, making renovations in the area particularly intricate.
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While progressive in its approach to modern development, Willoughby Council enforces stringent height, bulk, and character controls to maintain the area’s aesthetic integrity.
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“We are so happy we used Playoust Churcher Architects for a major renovation of our Lower North Shore home. This complex architectural job combined advanced engineering, design and innovation and a creative approach to modern living. Playoust Churcher supported us from conception to completion – and well beyond.
They understood our lifestyle and desire for a collaborative approach and delivered us a dream home with which it would be hard to be happier. We’re delighted to recommend Playoust Churcher to anyone building or renovating a prestige home in Sydney.”
Justin & Marek
“We provided a very detailed brief on the design and the requirements both in terms of how it would support our family as it grew over time in addition to the design features that were important to us. We were thrilled with the concept and design they delivered. It ticked all the boxes.
We felt very confident the team understood our brief in terms of the design and how we hoped to live. They also showed an understanding of the financial requirements and cost issues that are really important whenever you undertake any renovation project.”
Nadia & Jamieson
“Playoust Churcher Architects had an inherent understanding of the brief, and the design created a classic Roseville family home with wonderful proportions, depth and detail.
It’s now recognised as a stand-out in the area – people slow down and stare as they drive past.”
Kate & Scott
“When Brett and John came they just listened. John is so talented that we just trust him. I told John what I wanted our home to look like and to go for it. John can draw the designs upside down all by hand and you know exactly what he is doing. He is really talented and that was very obvious from the beginning. He is so passionate about what he does.
They were respectful of costs and just listened to what we wanted. There is a lot to say for architects that listen. The house works perfectly with our needs – there is a flow that works beautifully.”
LisaThis project reimagined a classic Clontarf residence into a refined, light-filled coastal home. The design focused on seamless indoor-outdoor flow, view maximisation, and material durability suited to beachside living.
Yes. Clontarf is governed by Northern Beaches Council and includes coastal, slope and bushfire overlays. These regulations affect building height, setbacks, drainage management and landscaping. We guide clients through approval from site feasibility to final design.
We prioritise natural ventilation, solar orientation, privacy strategies and materials resilient to salt and wind exposure. Design elements like elevated terraces and large glazed openings help capture outlooks while managing climate impacts.
Yes. We provide design-led solutions for dual occupancy and boutique development projects, tailored to suit Northern Beaches council controls and preserve neighbourhood character.
Start with a consultation where we assess your site, goals, and project context. From there, we guide you through site analysis, concept development, council approvals, and construction delivery.
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We live and work on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. We acknowledge their traditional custodianship of the land and pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.