Klein House – Sydney

Nestled on a narrow site with difficult access and a huge boulder blocking the entry, Sydney-based MHN Design Union had their work cut out for them when designing this five-bedroom home located in the lush Sydney suburb of Vaucluse.

Working with the long and challenging site, MHN’s first task was to improve access. This they achieved by sawing off part of the boulder which then gave a dramatic point from which to start the cantilevered concrete staircase leading to the front door. From here, the program of the house is organised into two pavilions located around a central courtyard that allows the residents to move freely between both public and private spheres and the interior and exterior.  Though the harbour views are distant, consideration was given to ensure the outlook of the home took advantage of this aspect.

In building the house and working in close collaboration with the client, a materials palate of on-site formed concrete walls and ceilings, timber floors and composite aluminium cladding for some exterior sections gave the house a distinct and strong architectural character.