Set on a steeply sloping site once occupied by a cottage, this Palm Beach residence on Sydney’s Northern Beaches was conceived to respond to an expansive brief and challenging terrain. The clients sought a flexible family home to host multiple groups while remaining intimately connected to the landscape.
Playoust Churcher’s design rises across four levels, each carefully arranged to minimise disruption to the site and maximise views and light. Concrete, steel and glass form the structural backbone, while a rich natural palette of sandstone cladding and timber softens the architecture and embeds it into its coastal setting.
Each zone has been individually crafted, room by room, level by level, to take advantage of expansive sea/bush views and more intimate outdoor moments while preserving the occupants’ privacy.
The result is a modern, multi-level home that integrates into its dramatic site, offering generous communal spaces and private retreats. The four-storey design delivers flexibility, accommodating large gatherings yet offering discrete family-oriented zones.
Natural materials and strategic form-making combine to deliver an architecture that feels grounded and elevated. The home optimises coastal light, frames outlooks from every level and celebrates indoor-outdoor living.
Functionality and aesthetics merge: The design meets the brief for flexibility and scale, and elegantly and respectfully respects the landscape. This residence is a refined example of how design intelligence can transform a steep beachfront plot into a celebrated family home.

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.”
LisaThe project transformed a traditional Palm Beach home into a cohesive, modern coastal retreat. The design prioritised natural light, seamless indoor-outdoor living, and refined materiality suited to beachside lifestyle.
Palm Beach is governed by Northern Beaches Council and includes coastal hazard zones and bushfire-prone land. These overlays influence building setbacks, stormwater design and material selection. We guide clients through these controls from feasibility to design and approval.
We focus on resilient materials, passive ventilation, solar access and privacy strategies. The Palm Beach project enhances liveability while responding to wind, salt corrosion, views and lifestyle imperatives.
Yes. Whether you’re renovating a beach house or planning a knockdown-rebuild, we deliver tailored architectural solutions that align with site-specific challenges, council requirements and lifestyle goals.
Absolutely. We provide comprehensive architectural services, including site assessment, concept design, council approvals and project delivery—whether you’re located in Palm Beach or nearby Northern Beaches suburbs.
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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.