This house by Alwill Architecture, with interiors by Alwill Atelier, sits on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, within walking distance of the beach. Designed to foster ease and relaxation, the original Spanish Mission–style dwelling has been comprehensively renovated, with key additions introduced to enhance light, air, aspect and views.

Extensive ground works and strategic shoring of the steep site, undertaken to mitigate water ingress from neighbouring properties, established a stable foundation for both the building and the garden by Dangar Barin Smith.

The brief balanced permanence with adaptability: retaining the home’s charm while creating contemporary, flexible spaces aligned with Passivhaus principles. Sculptural insertions including a crafted fireplace, kitchen bench and stairway lend character, while stone tiles unify the ground floor. The existing Tyrolean render, a durable textured finish, was extended and restored so the exterior reads as a cohesive whole, anchored by this signature treatment.

Custom pieces, enduring materials and a considered approach to craft underscore the ease of beachside living, delivering a highly resolved and sophisticated family home.