Media Release

29 April 2004

Retaining much of the existing property and the 'cottage' feel, this two storey pavilion style design captured the judging panel's attention for its streetscape appeal and suitability for the Mosman area.

The layout of the design includes a lower ground floor rumpus room that is ideal for the noisy members of the family. On the ground floor there are two bedrooms and a two way bathroom at the front with a formal dining room leading to a slightly elevated kitchen, living and outdoor terrace area. On the first floor, there is a spacious master suite with an en-suite and walk-in-robe, plus a second bedroom and bathroom. Derek says one of his aims in the design was "to provide a modern, open plan living arrangement with easy access to the outdoors".

Vienna's design was based on retaining the character of the existing residence and the neighbourhood, but upgrading the home to cater for the needs of today's modern lifestyles. A subtle, but contemporary design, it was the good planning and flow through the home from the front door to the rear outdoor entertaining areas that impressed the judging panel.

A two storey design, the ground floor features two bedrooms, a separate living area, spacious kitchen and an open plan family and dining area leading outdoors. A main bedroom and en-suite, plus a second bedroom and bathroom amenities are located upstairs.

Maddelena says some factors which inspired the design were to create "a more spacious living environment but allowing flexible use of spaces" as well as "retaining the character of the house in part, yet making it renewed and modern".

This design caught the judging panel's eye for its undulating roof form that rolls along the site in a sweeping clean curve, creating a visually spectacular, contemporary residence. Interesting the judges was the design's particular attention to the aspect and orientation and the incorporation of the original structure.

The ground floor of the design features an open plan living and dining area which is overlooked by the kitchen and flows onto a home theatre. There is also a separate visitors retreat. Upstairs, there is a master bedroom and en-suite, with a second bedroom and bath, plus a spa terrace with views to Quakers Hat Bay. Upstairs, there is a master bedroom and en-suite, with a second bedroom and bath, plus a spa terrace with views to Quakers Hat Bay. Pragati says she placed the "terraces at strategic positions to get the maximum view of Quaker Hat Bay" and to have the "indoor and outdoor space moving into one another creating astounding spaces".

The strong relationship between the indoor and outdoor environments, plus the design's suitability to the Mosman area created the judging panel's interest in this design. Incorporating some of the existing cottage, the design is a two storey linked pavilion or 'villa' style residence.

The ground floor plan consists of two bedrooms and a living area at the front with an open plan kitchen, dining and living room at the back. A colonnade runs around the side of the house to a terrace overlooking the semi-circle shaped pool.

On the first floor, the master suite also looks out to the pool and water views and there is also a second bedroom and bathroom.

Rosemary says her approach was to "create a residence which will accommodate a contemporary lifestyle and which fits in with the existing character of Mosman".

Innovation in design and construction, as well as good planning and effective use of the site brought this design to the judges' attention. The design consists of linking the existing but renovated cottage with a new addition via open courtyards.

On the ground floor, bedrooms two and three and a flexible lounge and dining area would be separate from the main living area and kitchen area at the rear, which are angled towards the northern aspect and views.

On the first floor, the master suite would enjoy privacy from the sitting room and versatile study or bedroom four. An interesting feature of this design is that the rear component would be factory built and then assembled on site.

In developing the design, Stephen says he "decided to treat the building as two separate but linked components or pavilions to exploit the positive and eliminate the negative factors".