STEPPING UP

Presented with a flat block and northern light, architect Madeleine Blanchfield opted for a gloriously simple open-ended design.

- JUDY PASCOE

A study in contrasts, this new home on Sydney's Northern Beaches moves effortlessly between contained and open spaces, offering its inhabitants a range of private and convivial experiences during the course of their daily lives.

Designed by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects on a flat block of land – a luxury in hilly suburbs like these – the property had a northerly aspect and no external view dictating its orientation, which meant Madeleine and project architect Nicholas Channon were able to "focus on the house in its own right. There was no need to be anything other than honest and unassuming... ensuring that the magic came from within, through the unfolding of spaces and interweaving of landscape," says Madeleine. The owners, a couple with two young sons, wished for a home with connection, spaciousness, light and calm, and the opportunity "to share precious time together in the space".

"The clients were open to doing something quite raw and unique and the block had a lovely feel about it," says Madeleine. The generous size of the site "enabled us to spread the home over the block, engage with the landscape and play with the proportions of the spaces, which open up vertically and horizontally as you move from the front door through to the main living area".