Located in prestigious Warrawee in the Ku-ring-gai Council area, the Chilton Parade project began as a substantial renovation that evolved into a highly ambitious transformation. The original scope involved significant alterations, including a complete rebuild of half the existing home over two levels and the strategic addition of a first floor.
However, the brief expanded significantly midway through the project when the clients acquired the neighbouring property, prompting a bold reimagining of the home’s potential. The goal was to enhance the existing structure and create a luxurious family residence inspired by resort-style living, while embracing light, privacy, and spatial flow.
The team embraced the challenge with a design approach grounded in client collaboration and architectural innovation. The evolving brief required careful planning across two adjoining properties, all within the regulatory constraints of the Ku-ring-gai Council.
The final design featured three striking pavilion-style structures linked by elegant bridges, allowing for effortless movement while maintaining distinct zones for family living. A thoughtfully positioned roof light invited sunlight into the southern-facing kitchen, dining, and living areas. The design was an architectural response that balanced the home’s orientation with the need for brightness and openness.
The design met the practical needs of a growing family but also introduced a sculptural elegance, redefining its architectural identity while adhering to council development controls. Our experience in managing complex renovations in the Ku-ring-gai area ensured a smooth relationship with the council’s requirements despite the project’s scale and ambition.
The result was a truly exceptional home. Lavish, functional, and filled with natural light. The blend of resort-style aesthetics and everyday practicality created an inspiring and liveable environment.
Ultimately, the home achieved more than design success; it became a landmark property, selling for a record-breaking $20 million and setting a new benchmark for luxury homes on Sydney’s North Shore.
The Chilton Parade project is a testament to Playoust Churcher Architects’ ability to deliver bold, boundary-pushing design outcomes within the sensitive and high-expectation context of the Ku-ring-gai Council.

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 goal was to create a timeless family home that supports elegant daily living and entertaining. The design focused on open-plan interiors, natural light and a strong connection to landscaped outdoor areas—all tailored to the Warrawee setting.
Many streets in Warrawee fall under Ku-ring-gai Council’s conservation zoning. While not all homes are heritage-listed, planning controls often guide building height, materials and façade presentation to preserve neighbourhood character.
We prioritise future-proofed layouts that allow for family growth, multigenerational living and changing lifestyle needs. This includes zoning living areas, enhancing indoor-outdoor flow, and integrating storage and service spaces from the start.
Yes. The architectural principles used in this Warrawee home—such as proportion, symmetry, light control and material richness—are adaptable to other premium blocks in suburbs like Turramurra, Wahroonga, and Killara.
We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with clients in Warrawee and across Ku-ring-gai. Whether you’re planning a renovation or a new custom home, our team can guide you from concept to construction.
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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.