A bespoke, architecturally-designed home on the Upper North Shore, Sydney.
Tucked away on a tranquil bush block in Wahroonga, backing on the National Park, this architectural home is set to become an exceptional showcase of concrete, timber, and structural ingenuity.
STAGE 1
Starting from the ground up
The original house was demolished, and the block was excavated to prepare for the new architecturally designed build. We arrived onsite ready to lay the foundations for this new home.
At the rear of the property, first, we poured a substantial concrete slab ready for the large pool. The pool is being fabricated off-site and will be delivered in place by a 100-tonne crane. In preparation for this, we’ve added green slab protection to safeguard the area for the placement of the pool.
Green slab protection is sometimes applied to the freshly poured concrete to safeguard the surface while it cures. This protective layer helps prevent damage from weather, debris, and construction activity, ensuring the slab remains in perfect condition ahead of the prefabricated pool being craned into place.
Interestingly, we also had to pour footings in preparation for the crane. These were specifically engineered to provide the stability and support required for the crane outriggers during the pool installation.
Strong partnerships mean smooth pours.
Our long-standing friends at All Aspects Pumping (especially Haydon) continue to be a reliable part of our team. We’ve worked together for over eight years now, and their commitment to quality and efficiency always makes a difference on site.
The basement level starts to take shape.
Stage one of the house build is progressing with the basement level slab now poured and trowelled. This area will eventually house a gym and storeroom, forming the foundation of the home both structurally and functionally.
Concrete and timber will create a striking contrast.
A series of concrete columns are being installed to support the timber decking that will wrap around various parts of the home. The design cleverly balances the strength of concrete with the warmth of timber, creating a striking architectural contrast that will define the look and feel of the home.
Two distinctive architectural pods will feature prominently in the final design. One pod above the garage will be a home office, floating above the structure with elevated bush views. Another pod to the left of the main structure will house the primary living space, seamlessly blending into the surrounding landscape.
This project is still in its early stages, but the vision is clear: a striking, high-performance home that celebrates materials, engineering, and the natural bush setting it inhabits.
STAGE 2
Landscaped planter wall and outdoor structure works
With the foundations and basement level complete, the form and function of this interesting home is becoming clearer. Stage two introduced some of the most complex structural landscaping on the project, including the construction of the large suspended garden and the significant retaining elements that will become a signature design feature of the home.
At the rear of the property, we began work on the substantial engineered planter structure and retaining wall that will hold between thirty and forty tonnes of soil. This is far beyond a standard retaining wall. The design features dramatic vertical wings set at forty four degrees, giving the landscaping a sculptural quality. The planter wall rises to a height of approximately 3.6 metres, reaching the same level as the first floor of the home once complete. One of the distinctive architectural pods will sit directly behind this structure, creating a striking visual connection between the built form and the landscape.
For strength and long term stability, the planter structure is supported by a three hundred millimetre core blockwork system. This ensures the wall can safely hold the significant soil load and support the elevated garden above.
This stage has been particularly rewarding for our team due to the high level of technical expertise required. Projects of this complexity are uncommon, and few formwork, concreting, or steel fixing teams are equipped to take on work of this magnitude. The bespoke nature of the design makes it both challenging and extremely satisfying. We relish projects of this calibre and magnitude.
Further stage 2 progress includes the completion of the garage slab. The double garage will incorporate a laundry and wet room, and is now ready for brick and blockwork installation. Above this space, another architectural pod will be constructed to form the homeowner’s office. The pods will be fabricated onsite, and a set of spiral stairs will lead from the exterior up to the studio.
Stay tuned for the next stage of this exciting build…
North Shore Concreting.
For all concreting and formworking projects on the Lower and Upper North Shore, contact us for a competitive quote. With 40+ years of concreting experience, we bring extensive knowledge to any concrete and formwork project – including emergency and after hours jobs. We provide a high level of services and workmanship on all our projects, with attention to detail and a professional approach to every job. We are a friendly team, focused on our customers’ needs and satisfaction and getting the job done.
We have a local team of concreters, formworkers and steel fixers that are able to handle all residential and commercial projects, large and bespoke. We service the entire Sydney metropolitan area.
- Call 0402 336 586 or 0437 841 647
- SMS 0402 336 586 or 0437 841 647
- Send an email »
- Online enquiry form »