The landscape and gardens inspired the design and renovation of this 6,500m² estate in St. Ives, Sydney, located in the Ku-Ring-Gai council. The owners envisaged their gardens as the epicentre of the estate’s appeal, and the design brief was to ensure the architectural connection would honour their vision.
Playoust Churcher Architects approached the design by ensuring the stunning gardens, featuring more than 4,000 plants cultivated over a long and thoughtful journey, would not be overshadowed by the home’s architecture.
Each design decision balanced built form with the surrounding natural beauty. The design introduced intimate courtyards, terraces, and dual-aspect garden views from key living spaces, creating an elegant flow between indoors and outdoors.
The design team embraced the property’s unique setting overlooking the blue gum forests of Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve. Every window and transition space was considered to frame views, draw in natural light, and maintain the tranquillity of the estate.
A key point was listening. The clients had previously commissioned another architect, but the design did not fully capture their vision. Playoust Churcher Architects started fresh, with a conversation, and carefully translated the owners’ aspirations into a home that works for their lifestyle.
The completed renovation blends architecture and horticulture, enabling the physical property to partner with the garden.
By focusing on the connection between inside and out, the project won the deep trust of the clients and laid the foundation for an ongoing working relationship.
As the owners put it:
“Playoust Churcher Architects were respectful of costs, and they just listened to what we wanted. There is a lot to say for architects who listen. The house works perfectly with our needs; there is a flow that works beautifully.”

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 design reimagined a traditional family home with refined, timeless architecture. The layout was restructured to enhance natural light, spatial flow, and long-term comfort—ideal for a modern family lifestyle in the leafy St Ives environment.
Yes, parts of St Ives fall under Ku-ring-gai Council’s conservation and heritage overlays. These controls influence building form, materials, and landscaping to maintain local character. We assess each site carefully and handle council approvals from start to finish.
Absolutely. We often design homes in St Ives with flexible spaces that accommodate children, grandparents, guests, or evolving lifestyle needs. Zoning, privacy and long-term functionality are key design principles.
St Ives includes areas of bushfire risk (BAL zones). Our team is experienced in designing to meet safety and planning requirements while maintaining beautiful, liveable spaces. We manage compliance with confidence.
Yes. Whether you’re planning a renovation, new custom home or subdivision in St Ives, we offer full-service architectural guidance—from feasibility and concept design to DA approvals and builder engagement.
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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.