Playoust Churcher was commissioned to design a flexible, modern holiday home on the slopes of Palm Beach for a Sydney-based client. The brief called for a beach retreat that comfortably accommodated extended family holidays or smaller gatherings with young adult children and their friends. The design approach needed to embrace the site’s natural assets, west-facing views over Pittwater, eastern sunlight, and the existing Australian flora. The architectural intent was to maximise transparency and natural light, blending indoor and outdoor living.
Sustainability was a key objective, and careful material selection enabled visual integration into the landscape. Located in the Northern Beaches Council, the design team was aware of and responded to this precinct’s multiple LEPs and DCPs.
Meeting the stringent requirements of the Northern Beaches Council residential planning guidelines, the Playoust Churcher team designed a bold, light-filled holiday home that responds to its environment and enhances the coastal living experience. The use of sustainable materials and passive design principles optimised comfort and energy efficiency, and the generous living spaces offered flexibility for intimate weekends and larger family gatherings.
The home’s transparency in form and structure opens it to the surrounding views, westward to the ocean, and eastward to the hillside sunrise. The end design created a contemporary sanctuary that embraces natural light, stunning vistas, and Palm Beach’s unique character.
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.
Learn MoreNorth Sydney’s Council regulations for residential renovations can be complex. Playoust Churcher Architects understands the nuances and offers expert and experienced advice.
Learn MoreLane Cove Council prioritises sustainability and bushland preservation, often requiring careful environmental considerations.
Learn MoreHunters Hill, one of Sydney’s oldest municipalities, has strict heritage conservation rules, making renovations in the area particularly intricate.
Learn MoreWhile progressive in its approach to modern development, Willoughby Council enforces stringent height, bulk, and character controls to maintain the area’s aesthetic integrity.
Learn More“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.”
LisaYes. We have extensive experience designing and renovating high-end coastal homes that respond to light, view and environment. Our Palm Beach renovation balanced a relaxed, beachside lifestyle with timeless design and material durability.
Palm Beach falls under the Northern Beaches Council. This region has specific planning controls related to slope, bushfire zones, and view preservation. We guide clients through the DA process to ensure smooth approvals.
Absolutely. Many clients approach us to reimagine original beach houses into sophisticated homes that support year-round living. We enhance layout, light and livability while maintaining the relaxed spirit of Palm Beach.
Coastal projects often face challenges such as salt exposure, wind loads, and environmental overlays. Our design team selects robust materials and construction methods to ensure performance, comfort and longevity.
Yes. We welcome the opportunity to consult on new builds, alterations and additions in Palm Beach and the wider Northern Beaches.
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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.