Freshwater
Concept: Creating a light, airy, character-filled three-level Hampton-style beach home on a small corner site
Off the back of two unprecedented years, 2022 has propelled our North Shore architect firm into areas where we’ve seen significant growth, honed our architectural skills and consistently delivered our promise of being partners for our clients.
Take a look at our 2022 year in review, how we’ve defined architectural trends, taken significant steps forward in multigenerational living, unpacked land subdivisions, set new records and continued to push the design envelope.
Setting new records
First things first, though. Two of Playoust Churcher’s projects in Roseville and Wahroonga sold for new street records over the last quarter of 2022.
These results are an incredible record for us as an architectural firm and within this area.
Experts in the architectural process
Building a dream home from concept to completion requires dedicated expertise in architecture, design, construction and project management. The process to follow in designing and building a residential home needs meticulous planning and attention to detail the entire way through.
The design and construction of a project must connect. The legal obligations and council DAs (development applications) need skilled consultation to meet the requirements. This expertise proved invaluable for our clients in 2022 as various resource issues and COVID-induced backlogs needed architectural expertise to help keep the process on track.
A focus on design
This year, we unpacked how we approach design.
Design is an essential part of what architects do and the process we follow when building our clients’ dream homes.
We looked at sustainable architecture and mistakes to avoid in modern residential architecture. We also defined modern residential architecture of the 21st century and how it needs to be disruptive, innovative and functional but can also be expensive.
Multigenerational living
2022 has been a year that has seen a considerable uptick in the multigenerational living trend. Although legislation initially led the charge with attractive tax exemptions, with a housing market at the highest it’s ever been and families forced together during the pandemic, multigenerational living may be here to stay.
Multigenerational living describes living circumstances where more than one generation lives under the same roof. These could be three or even four-generation families or ‘grandfamilies’ where one or more grandparents raise growing children and live together. Multigenerational living is becoming even more popular as family circumstances shift to adjust to socio-economic environments.
Land subdivision
We took a deep look at heritage and environmentally protected land subdivisions to help maximise your land value. It is increasingly more important to ensure that experts manage this process.
Land subdivision and building requirements are incredibly stringent regarding heritage properties and properties protected by the Northern Beaches and North Shore council environmental programs.
It is essential to consider plant, wildlife biodiversity and bushfire zones when planning land subdivisions. Similarly, the Ku-ring-gai Council discourages subdividing heritage conservation areas within the first two lines of Part 19A.1 of its Development Control Plan under Heritage Conservation Areas.
Although the results will undoubtedly be magnificent, subdividing heritage land, especially on the North Shore and Northern Beaches, is a challenge that experts must manage and oversee.
Partner with Playoust Churcher in 2023
As North Shore Architects, we are excited about what 2023 holds for us and are grateful to be able to grow our team and service offering for our clients. We love working with our clients to bring their dream home visions to life.
Contact us to discuss your home requirements with one of our talented architects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key local renovation trends for 2023?
Playoust Churcher reports strong interest in both renovations and new builds, driven by falling house prices (down 8.4% between May 2022 and January 2023), increased listings, and stabilising material costs following the COVID era.
Why the rising demand for multigenerational homes and land subdivisions?
These trends reflect evolving family and lifestyle needs—ranging from multigenerational living to capitalising on subdividing larger land parcels—both remain in high demand in the region.
What international technology trend caught their attention?
The firm notes growing activity in architectural 3D printing. Growth is expected to continue, supported by innovations emerging from Australia’s new Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF).
Key Takeaways
Record-Setting Project Results
Playoust Churcher capped off 2022 with standout successes—two projects in Roseville and Wahroonga achieved new street sale records, showcasing their design prowess and market recognition.
Seamless Process Navigation Amid Uncertainty
Their comprehensive architectural process—from concept through council DA and construction—proved essential in overcoming resource constraints and COVID‑induced backlogs to keep projects on track.
Design Innovation Meets Sustainability Awareness
Throughout the year, the firm spotlighted forward-moving design by exploring sustainable architecture, defining modern residential architecture, and outlining common pitfalls to sidestep in contemporary builds.
Rising Demand for Multigenerational and Subdivision Projects
2022 saw a clear increase in multigenerational living—driven by demographic shifts and pandemic dynamics—and a focused effort on managing heritage and environmentally protected land subdivisions to boost value.
Meet the Author
Brett Churcher
Managing Director & Nominated Architect
NSW Architect Registration No. 5924
With over 30 years of architectural experience, Brett Churcher leads Playoust Churcher Architects with a rare combination of design expertise and commercial insight. As a registered architect and Managing Director, Brett has played a pivotal role in delivering high-end single residential homes and boutique medium-density developments across Sydney’s North Shore and beyond.
Brett’s unique strength lies in his deep understanding of both architectural design and the Sydney property market. His valuation background enables him to align creative vision with practical feasibility, ensuring each project achieves both aesthetic excellence and financial viability.
At Playoust Churcher, Brett drives the studio’s growth, strategy, and leadership, while remaining closely connected to what matters most: the client. His ability to see the bigger picture from a client’s perspective and to guide projects seamlessly through the design process is at the heart of his role and reputation.
Have a vision for your next project?
Reach out to Brett to explore how Playoust Churcher can bring it to life—with clarity, creativity and confidence.
Recent projects
Killara Heritage
Concept: Adapting a beautiful family heritage home in a quiet street on a large site to suit the family’s lifestyle
East Lindfield
Concept: Designing a new family home that maximises the views and introduces a sense of open space
Lindfield Heritage Home
Concept: A complex yet successful renovation of this stunning heritage home in a conservation area
Castlecrag
Concept: A 1970s build transformed into a bright, open design maximising stunning harbour views
Chilton Parade, Warrawee
Concept: A complete rebuild of half the property over two levels, whilst also incorporating the property next door
Palm Beach Renovation
Concept: A majestic holiday home that pushes the design envelop, blending sustainable materials and natural light
Arnold Street Killara
Concept: A major ground floor renovation of a large estate with a new three-car garage and 14 metre pool
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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.