stephen pearse architect

Working with local residents group to develop a new heart for Newport.

spa has collaborated with Save Robertson Roads’ Simon Barlow to investigate a new way of unlocking the potential of the mix of public and private landholdings within the centre of Newport.

Adopting Save Robertson Roads’ option of relocation of the old post office the approach balances the needs of access for approved DAs and the creation of new open space for community events and play.

Robertson road is partially closed to create a new plaza and a focused retail mix with landscaped courtyards and laneways meandering through the site connecting Foamcrest Ave., Robertson Road and Barrenjoey Road.

Underground parking replaces the above ground parking with access from Robertson and Foamcrest Ave. A mix of three to four storey apartment and terrace style housing deliver an appropriate coastal density and provide a mix of residents to energize the retail areas.

The retail mix envisages a new food emporium and fresh produce market with specialty food , health and fashion and a relocated post office.

The area is currently undergoing a renaissance with a range of boutique creative operations and it is anticipated this type of activity will also expand into the precinct meeting the growing work local industry.

Landscaped courtyards at various floor levels provide a cool and intimate laneway precinct connected to the new park and plaza.

Potential future laneway access is explored from St. Michael’s to Barrenjoey road and Robertson road plaza.

Early days though ...and lots more community , developer and government discussions to test and evolve options.

A new Town Centre is created within the existing heritage rural town ship of Picton.

At its heart the design creates a new civic place activated by the re-imagined heritage Wollondilly Shire Hall home to the Wollondilly Shire Council chamber and specialist function space.

The existing library is re-purposed as a new community workshops and child care centre with new buildings for library resource hub, theatre, café and art display, new administration building.

Connected to the existing pedestrian and vehicle networks the plan envisages new and appropriate density within the existing built fabric of the town and promotes new pedestrian links to the heritage Post Office for laneways art market. Creating the centre piece of a new civic square flexibly designed for a market and event place. The Wollondilly Shire Hall opens to the new civic space creating an indoor outdoor performance area. The whole development is organised to engage with landscape and the environment for sustainable outcomes.

Extensive tree planting , colonnades and walkways create shade and develop passive micro-climate response to the whole of the site.

The design allows staged development for funding and grant applications and to allow orderly decanting of the existing premises. The work has been undertaken as part of a collaboration with E8 urban and Elton Consulting over a period of 8 months. 

Crafting place and community infrastructure within the existing town centre , threading pathways between heritage and the site specific environment.

project undertaken as director of stephen pearse architect

Continuing our work in regional NSW our Cobar Miners Memorial has officially opened.

The memorial commemorating those who have died in the local Cobar mines and those who have died from mining related diseases, is located within the Cobar Miners Heritage Park. The new memorial forms a central focus as part of a collection of artifacts and memorials on the Barrier Highway entry to the Cobar township.

The site forms part of the gateway to the town and is visually connected to the Great Cobar Heritage mine site opposite. The assembly of artefacts and the Great Cobar Heritage Centre are significant parts of the towns European settlement and history.

There is an authenticity about the site, it reflects the reality of this tough mining town, and is evidence of its history and community.

In these of days manufactured themes Cobar, or Kubbar the Ngiyampaa reference for the place, has succeeded in maintaining its sense of PLACE.

The design provides a single room of 60m2 under an earth mound. Visible from the highway and arranged on the site to capture the pedestrian entry from the carpark, the new building conveys symbolic references to the mining industry through simple form and material, respects the site with its earth and landscaped roof and provides paved forecourt for more formal gatherings of family and community on memorial service days.

The memorial embraces you on entry to the park, with its tough insitu concrete walls and the focus, the large steel plate entry portal.

A minimal abstract expression of the mine head. Still rusting, bolted, and braced both dramatic and curious to the passer-by. A steel spike piercing through the roof as a snorkel to the sky provides a natural vent for the space.

Within the underground chamber, the stories are told, and the victims memorialised in the symbolic tag board of brass plaques. A poignant reminder of the fact that these miners did not tag off on the shift that day.

The design embedded with layers of meaning, adds to the towns story, and creates a small but significant addition to the PLACE that is Cobar.

The memorial at Cobar, continues spa’s history of working within our community.

Our Wollondilly Shire Hall upgrade in Picton, now in construction, is stage 1 of the masterplan for the Wollondilly Shires Civic Centre. This masterplan was initially prepared to aid grant funding for the council as a collaboration with Elton Consulting, E8Urban and spa.

Similarly, our work with Cobar Shire Council commenced with a review of the Great Cobar Heritage Centre where we provided masterplan outlines, site analysis, brief scope, and concepts to assist with grant applications. With the success of grant funding in various packages the Heritage Centre is now underway and the memorial complete.

Client: Cobar Shire Council and Cobar Miners Memorial Committee

Value: $900k

Completion: 2021

Role: concept, design, documentation, building and internal memorial ,stephen pearse architect pty ltd spa

Internal displays : jelly design

Images – night hero Klae McGuinness photography

All other photographs stephen pearse architect.

Contact: stephen pearse 0402908797 www.stevepearse.com.au

A major step forward has been achieved for the Hurstville Civic Precinct Plan when in June, Georges River Council endorsed the master plan and planning proposal, which is now with the DPE for finalisation.

Our director Stephen Pearse has led the urban design and review process, in collaboration with dwp, as a consultant to GYDE Consulting in refining the development of the masterplan to bring this important outcome for the Hurstville Community, one step closer to fruition.

The brief, developed from the opportunity to fund new civic infrastructure by unlocking the development opportunity of council owned sites, and its form, shaped by solar access, location on the hill and proximity to the Hurstville transport hub will deliver a much-needed civic space to this burgeoning urban centre.

The new development allows for substantial development on the sites perimeter with retention of the heritage museum and new 25,975m2 residential, 7,490m2 commercial , 6,000m2 council chambers, 3,175m2 retail and 8,410m2 of community space organised around a central civic plaza, parks, and street upgrades.

The built form has developed from modelling of solar access to deliver a high-quality environmental amenity within the new public places. The outcome creating a precinct shaped to deliver a civic space suitable for year-round delivery of a mix of activities including street fairs and festivals which are a prominent feature of the Hurstville community social life.

spa has provided consulting services for concept development and urban design to GYDE Consulting and dwp, assisting the team and Georges River Council in the ongoing development of the design through planning reviews and design presentations.

Team: GYDE Consulting, dwp, stephen pearse architect (spa), AEC financial

Client : Georges River Council

 Sydney Rum Distillery (SRD)

steve pearse architecture+ is working with the SRD team in the development of a detailed brief, concept design and an approach for site selection to this new premium rum distillery.

The design reinforces the high technology and sophistication of the production facility while reflecting the natural attributes of the product and the long history of rum in Australia.

Sustainability is a key element within the design with extensive water catchment, solar power and recycling of waste product.

SRD will provide an on- site tasting experience showcasing the state-of-the-art technology and processing plant including product traceability.

Copper, stainless steel, concrete, timber and sandstone elements shape the customer experience with the back drop of the fermentation ,stills, blending areas and maturation barrels.

The entry dominated by the 22-metre-high distillation columns a landmark in the local area located at the tasting hall entry.

The public will view into and have access to the process areas and the extensive bonded maturation store.

Design is progressing to pre- DA with on -site commencement in 2019.

 Client :Sydney Rum Distillery Pty Ltd

Project value: $8m

Scope of work: brief, design, design development and site selection

project undertaken as director of stephen pearse architect

A number of Hunter Valley projects explore the development of tourism destinations, function centres and accommodation in the rural landscape.

The projects starts with an idea and a business strategy, the design process commences with site assessment and planning controls, brief development and detail site analysis , visioning and concepts. The designs illustrated externally reflect the working nature of the vineyards while internally providing simple elegant spaces for the dining, tasting, cellar door and functions.

At both Pooles Rock + Hungerford Hill, briefs were developed with the owners and together with a team of advisors and consultants master plans delivered the framework for staged development.

The masterplans envisaged a working site with mixed uses including the wineries, their operations and services, tourist accommodation, entertainment for both music and film events as well as educational infrastructure exploring the food and beverage offers of the valley.

The designs explored prefabricated construction techniques, sustainable systems and the creation of unique destinations within this important sensitive landscape.

Projects undertaken working with the teams at groupgsa and dwp.

This existing local heritage building is to be upgraded and reinstated as the centrepiece of the new Picton masterplan.

After extensive community consultation, spa has developed the design and achieved the DA approval for the multiple staged upgrade to this heritage building.

The building and its west wing will now house the council chamber, meeting room and pubic gallery and the whole building is integrated into the masterplan of spatial uses for the community. This campus wide approach will allow the spaces to be booked and accessed by the community for theater, weddings, meetings, dance, music markets and art display.

The old hall is opened to the north onto the new community park with operable wall and relocatable stage.

New amenities and kitchen provide flexible, accessible up to date services for this reimagining of the site.

The new building in brick and corrugated iron respect and reflect the heritage town form and texture and the heritage Wollondilly Shire Hall, while reinterpreting in a contemporary manner.

The flemish bond brickwork and detail of the Menangle Street main facade have been reinterpreted on the new face to the park with brick in a combination of colours and pattern.

spa have developed the brief after community consultation, and delivered the design through Development Application and Stage one.

The programme is to be delivered over 2 stages.

Stage 1 commenced in 2020 for opening in 2021.

project undertaken as director of stephen pearse architect

Museums + galleries together with libraries and sporting infrastructure are vital components of any community. These are more and more linked to shared sites in the densification of our places, the colocation for efficiencies and the fight for scarce public funding. The design of any new place needs to consider the functional brief, relationship to context and very importantly the long term operational and maintenance costs as well as the powerful ability to set an example and educate for sustainable outcomes..

The best designs such as at Dubbo have combined sports fields, heritage buildings and the event of art and arrival to create a unique destination around a sustainable café and food service + retail within the function centre + lobby.

My work has included the complete design process from winning competitions , brief development, concept and managed delivery of facilities for the arts and the community.

Projects undertaken working with the teams at steve pearse architecture +, GroupGSA, DCM, dwp.

The new wharves for Sydney Harbour were developed with RMS  to provide a new design language for the harbour upgrade programme. Subsequently rolled out across Sydney under a managed contract with Hansen Yuncken the designs included concepts for Circular Quay, Barangaroo and commuter locations across the harbour reaching to Parramatta.

Projects undertaken while working with the teams at groupgsa, RMS, Hansen Yuncken, JILA.

Cobar heritage centre is to be extended to include a new temporary exhibition space, function area, workshops and delivery back of house. the new building juxtaposed with the existing masonry heritage centre reinterprets the language of the dramatic old mine sheds and equipment.

Coloured to reflect the local earth and the weathered steel, shaped around a central court for storytelling and celebrations.

This building is a gateway to the town and landmark on the highway.

A new universal accessible entry from the miners side of the paymasters office solves the access by interpreting the original use of the heritage building.

This existing local heritage building is to be upgraded and reinstated as the centrepiece of the new Picton masterplan.

Stage 1 is now complete which includes within the heritage building , council chamber, meeting rooms and pubic galleries and first stage of the old hall upgrade including new new lighting control room, kitchens and amenities. This is part of a campus wide approach which will allow the spaces to be booked and accessed by the community for theater, weddings, meetings, dance, music markets and art display.

The heritage building west wing is opened to the north to create the council chamber. The ceiling is formed and lined in timber to expose the end wall of the heritage building. An essential part of the interpretation of the sites history. The new amenities are accessed and serviced from a security controlled central courtyard and the hall circulation is adapted to provide multiple spaces for a range of activities. The design has resolved circulation, servicing and egress complexities to cerate a highly flexible and multiuser community centre. Substantial technology is now included to provide the latest environment for live cast of council sessions and interactive meetings.

The new building in brick and corrugated iron respect and reflect the heritage town form and texture and the heritage Wollondilly Shire Hall, while reinterpreting in a contemporary manner.

The flemish bond brickwork and detail of the Menangle Street main facade have been reinterpreted on the new face to the park with brick in a combination of colours and pattern.

spa have developed the brief after community consultation, and delivered the design through Development Application and Stage one.

The programme is to be delivered over 2 stages.

Stage 1 opened in 2022.

project undertaken as director of stephen pearse architect

A new rail heritage museum and tourist destination in the rural township of Thirlmere. State Rail's, Office of Heritage and Environments brief was to create a working hub for volunteers and an exhibition and event space to preserve this valuable part of NSW transport heritage. The design developed around the existing heritage rail station and the small village infrastructure to create a destination that fitted within this sensitive environment.

The commission included development of a detailed brief, masterplan, development application, concept and structured documents for a range of delivery methods including lump sum tender and design + construct. 

The new facilities created a function centre display as a train platform with extensive gardens and rolling stock together with a new roundhouse and maintenance workshops where the public could view the day to day workings of heritage repair.

Project undertaken working with the teams at groupgsa , X2 design, JTCW.

Any new project requires an understanding of the site and the clients aspirations through the brief.

Then its onto the pencils and the computer to test the ideas and evolve a concept together. It takes time and testing to ensure we get the spatial and environmental outcomes right.

More than that though, its about the sense of PLACE for your family and the uplifting emotional outcome, getting it right brings to your every day.

How the sun, the breeze, the outlook, all interact, and the play of the natural elements within the patterns of life, and a rewarding home design.

The Site

The project started with the purchase of a 10 Ha parcel of land originally part of a much larger cattle farm within a valley just inland of the coast.

Constructed in stages over 3 years the site initially started with the conversion of the old sheds to temporary accommodation while the infrastructure was installed. this included water catchment with dams and shed roof capture to tanks, access roads, AWTS (effluent) and power were installed followed by the residence.

The site itself has 3 dams all fed by a series of swales across the old cattle grazing paddocks which carefully direct the flow and reduce the runoff.

These dams then pump to a series of tanks that form back up water supply and general water for external use.

The extensive roof areas collect rainwater runoff within a series of underground tanks, the main tank being adjacent the house and pool. The swimming pool is back up water supply and constructed from concrete rainwater tank modified for a swimming pool.

The lower site sheds also capture freshwater into an underground tank which than has back up pump to feed into the house supply.

A comprehensive plan for a fickle climate.

The Infrastructure and approval processes cannot be underestimated. The land although relatively cleared due to its history as dairy farm does contain sensitive ecosystems with protected riparian zones. So, any work in these areas is required to manage the ecological outcomes. Any runoff from wastes also must be dissipated within certain control levels . The 2 onsite enviro-cycle systems are installed to capture all waste form the house, sheds, and fire shelter.

Inground electrical and water supply and distribution systems allow variety of reticulation between the various buildings across the site.

Internet is provided by Telstra radio direct link from the hilltop adjacent and distributed by on site Intralinks.

Solar panels on the sheds and the main house deliver 2 x 6 kwh to supplement the cabled electrical supply.The Home

The Home

The home sits just below the hill crest to achieve views across the valley and capture the sites breezes and sun throughout the year.

Designing for view and workable defensible space for variety of weather conditions throughout the year.

The original sketch design was based on the historic land contours and once on site the opportunity for the house pad size and orientation to adjust allowed the owner to make several layout & design changes incorporating the garage , enlarged relocated office , pool and pool deck area.

The owner is experienced in construction and his partner is an avid gardener so together with the consultant team of architect, engineers, and landscape architect the design evolved.

Key components of the design approach were accepting the original approved house location and orientation to the south. While this allowed the home to capture the best views it meant designing to capture winter sun, maintain privacy and deliver protected sunspots in winter a from range of weather conditions.

The design needed to be economical and able to be delivered by local trades on a site with complex access.

The simple but dramatic scales of roof and fire- resistant material selection will weather into the landscape.

The assemblage of buildings creates a small-town space on the hilltop with the combination of sloped roof forms around central landscape areas and decks. This provides a range of spaces for different events, lifestyle and weather conditions which vary considerably thought the seasons.

An office is located to meet visitors or do business without entering the house but close enough to be connected.

The house is designed to allow good cross ventilation with banks of glass louvres and doors to facilitate the flow of the various breezes. The height of the roof and shape of the house especially through its cross section give access to good high-level glazing for deep winter sun into the living areas.

Internally all floors in main living areas are Blackbutt planking laid onto concrete slab.

The office is positioned to provide a shelter and change of scale for the spaces in between. An ideal outcome for remote working.

Extensive solar panels and solar water heating systems are included on the roof of the main building and the garage.

Native vegetation selected to minimise water and work with available sun and wind.

The location adjacent a National Park and the lands orientation and contours have determined the fire protection requirements for the site. BAL 29 to 12.5 with a separate fire shelter and set distances from neighbouring forest have all guided the shape and selection of materials.

Hardwood Ironbark cladding and decks selected for BAL ratings provide a rich texture that will weather in the environment.

“Stephen had a great appreciation of light and space. Our house feels open and vast when in fact its only 136m2, that’s a talent”

our happy clients comment on the outcome.

project undertaken as director of stephen pearse architect.

New residential accommodation in 3 separate buildings serving the retired sector, student accommodation and apartments sit comfortably within this tight heritage site in Sydney's developing west. The new accommodation was carefully managed and delivered through a staged masterplan with Parramatta City Council and subsequent DAs providing much needed expansion to the Catholic seminary and the revitalisation of this important heritage house and gardens.

Project undertaken working with the team from dwp.

Australian National University.-multiple award winning project.

2019- ACT Architecture Awards, The Enrico Taglietti Award- Educational Architecture.

2019- ACT Architecture Awards, The W. Hayward Morris Award- Interior Architecture.

2019- ACT Architecture Awards, The Pamille Berg Award for Art in Architecture.

Working with ClarkeKeller Canberra and as design lead for dwp in the creation of this new faculty building located within the heritage quarter of the university. The design responds to the site specifics of the Winston Masterplan and Walter Burley Griffin plan for Canberra, creating a new work + learn hub for 2 faculties and an industry partner.

The form and colour responds to the heritage location and the landscape with a major new central stair linking work, learn + social spaces.

Extensive briefing, options studies, development application and sign offs delivered through the complex approval process within Australia's Capital City Canberra and the ANU.

Project undertaken working with the teams at ClarkeKeller, dwp and architectural projects Pty Ltd heritage advisors.

Re- imagining/ Re-using our old public buildings to meet new demands changing technologies is an important part of what we do. Providing design advice on how to develop these building stock to their new briefs and reposition for longer life expectancy.

Much better to refurbish where we can and retain embodied energy, reduce costs and wastage.

As one of the three design directors for the new Rouse Hill town centre from groupGSA, RiceDaubney, Allen Jack +Cottier (joint venture) working with lend lease and GPT, the team delivered a new award winning model for mixed use and retail in Sydney's north west.

The role also included leading the design outcome for the community commercial centre located on the central town square, housing a library, community function venues, art gallery, café, retail and private commercial space. Other tasks included the developing of artwork strategies, public domain outcomes ,signage and way finding as well as consultation and presentation to authorities and stakeholders achieving project signoffs and visualisations of key program objectives developed as part of the JV collaborative process.

The Rouse Hill project created a largely open pedestrianised new urban centre on an open field adjacent the future north west rail station. The team debated the issues around what makes a Town and structured the outcome around visitation types , material understanding, sense of place through locality feedback, art and services. Deliberately designed to provide diverse outcomes in buildings with a mix of retail, education, community and residential the new town centre is constructed over a multi-deck car park set into the ground.

A central public plaza 40 meters square is its heart with streets unified through bluestone paving, a consistent but distributed brick palette, street signage, public domain strategy and art.

Project undertaken working with the teams from GroupGSA, Rice Daubney, and AJC.

New town centres larges and small require knowledge of mixed use applications, place making and the ability to negotiate a cohesive outcome through complex approval process and team structures. At West Ryde the design delivered new community gardens, park land, compact food and specialty retail, cafes restaurants, plaza, residential mix of apartments atop podium parking within the existing low scale west ryde centre.

Project undertaken working with the team at groupGSA

A rework of Circular Quay to remove Cahill expressway and retain the rail station creates grand harborside link and arbor.

Opening up views and breeze and sun with the removal of redundant structure and ground level infil.

a new green FOREST frame linking/stepping through platforms/gardens/belvederes to the Park and the EARTH frame linking the Rocks with public pool, beach, entertainment, and short term public housing . A new tower frame to the west includes hotel extension and residential to fund the overall public amenity.

The ferry wharves are rationalised with wider concourse and new plaza in the South East corner, the park green/ forest extended into the quay with small craft access for tourists.

stephen recently advocated successfully as part of SMH alarm at proposed Gantries to the Anzac Bridge. The government proposal would have irreparably damaged the elegant simplicity of this dramatic important gateway to the city. The Government has agreed to reconsider the design and work with architects for transport infrastructure in the future.

We await the next step.

Thanks to Julie Power SMH, Josh Szeps ABC radio national and Jim Wilson 2GB drive.

https://www.2gb.com/great-news-architect-relieved-anzac-bridge-gantry-plan-scrapped/

Wulugul kingfish walk

The pavilion edges into view through key vistas connecting the Wilugul walk across the cove and from the surrounding laneways, the water column heralding an entry, the billowing sinuous form of the roof a landmark on water and from land.

The grid shell water column creating an arrival point singling entry to the main hall

Celebrating the water’s edge, the cave, the grotto and its vistas to other harbour edges.

The timber lattice appearing delicate, but robust and strong against the wind, like the form of the nawi or hull of a ship.

Durable and poetic in detail and form.

Evoking reflections of fishing implements of the catch, canoe building and water.

The new pavilion speaks to the precinct and the narrative of Place.

A shelter, a gathering place inspired by the throwing of a net, construction of a nawi, a canoe, or the leaping of the Kingfish.

A place to site a watch, sparkling water “giddy giddy” listen to the sounds of water, sunsets and movement, stories etched into the canopy of cloth stitched and patterned, trace the sky navigation routes, water industry, its people and memories of ancient times to today.

Water is captured and funnels through the timber column returning to the harbour.

Sustainable Victorian ash provides new timber engineering, pioneering an innovative structure in Australia.

Art and stories are integral to the setting, art tiles pattern the inner ceiling, fabric covers and timber structures both fixed and operable patterned with artwork and stitching.

Granite monoliths break through the paved surface. These sandstone lined gateways break through the European landscape and form portals, seating, and structural elements transferring the loads and holding stories etched and carved into the sandstone inner face.

Sandstone seats ground the edges, delineating the space, distributing load and holding the structure fixed to the pier. Water column structure wrapped in stainless steel mesh to both direct light and water and protect the structure from climbing.

Screens like nets retract vertically and horizontally to provide windbreaks and more stories.

Granite and sandstone fragments of the harbours edge from gateways/portals and house elements of the brief.

Day and night sound shell reflecting harbour sounds light and smell, shadows cast creating patterns that tell a contemporary creation story

Newly created from an ancient past.

A special place to gather and reflect, or to celebrate our communal life, to be immersed in stories of the creation time, water, land, sky worlds, on the edge of the harbour, inter-weaving people and place, from the original custodians and modern society into this new developing vibrant and dynamic city.

This is not like any other place…

A place to gather, reflect and rest to escape our city.

Echoes and whispers of the Gadigal, Wangal and Cammeraigal peoples, Original people of place, expanding our appreciation and expanding our national narrative and culture to the world.

team

spa+ E8Urban+TTW+The Gaimaragal Group

Part of Sydneys Living Museum heritage, the NSW Trades Hall was refurbished to include new arrival lobby and office space. The programme delivered modern technologies, office space and a significant upgrade of the heritage building revealing past rooms , stories and displays.

The design created a significant new lobby and ordering to a complex circulation system which had grown over the buildings life. Designed as design director with teams from GroupGSA.

Working locally and overseas in China and India providing masterplans for education, sports and residential communities develops an understanding of cultures and varied expectations to the universal language of space and place making.

Projects undertaken working with the team at groupgsa

A new family home to be located on steep waterside location presents unique outlook and wild environment.

The design balances outlook and vista with protection and embrace of the natural environment.

Admitting winter sun and filtering the sometimes wild winds to create a protected home with terraces to the sea and courtyards wrapped in stone and lush gardens as retreats for the family and to entertain.

The senses are engaged with the smell and sound of the sea, reflected light and the magnificent outlook.

Renovating small spaces within heritage buildings requires the careful reimagining of a new lifestyle while respecting the past.

This 65m2 terrace in inner Sydney’s heritage Chippendale responds to the brief of providing a new modern home by under taking simple modifications while retaining the good bones of the existing. New 2700 high doors take advantage of the rooms height, north facing courtyard and abundant natural light sources. A simple palette of white and stained black floors provide a modern backdrop for art and furnishings.

Compact bespoke joinery provides storage and ample appliance and work areas for kitchen and bathroom.

The before and after photos tell the story.

Designed and project managed with steve pearse architecture+

Bathroom renovations require particular care and attention to the detail. These two rooms were existing run down en-suite and main bathrooms within a 1970 apartment block. Restricted potential to relocate plumbing and walls meant refining the spatial needs and a selection of fittings and materials to work with the rooms shape and lighting.

Tiles were selected to work on the curved surfaces and take advantage of the available light within the rooms. The texture providing another dimension and glamour to the simple spaces.

Both rooms had the benefit of a leafy natural outlook. This asset is captured through reflections and the selection of timber custom joinery. Selected fittings and colour add richness without clutter to the small spaces.

First concept for new 250m2 home.

Oriented to face north and capture landscape and solar aspect the home is arranged around the central external focus of the courtyard. Light, sun, landscape are embraced but controlled to provide a home that can adjust for activity, time of day, season and weather.

Sustainable and built with timber cladding and local stone you enter between the water tanks and native gardens into a space which holds and releases you to the living area and gardens. Bedroom wing located for privacy and to capture morning sun.

Are you considering building in the regions?

Our recent project at Nerring Hill is a good case study of the process and considerations involved and the programming needed to realise your dream.

There is a lot to consider if you are wanting to design your country estate.

Finding the land is often first step but ideally at the same time you are considering these items below as they can have significant impact on the outcome. This list is not exclusive but gives a good insight into the considerations of selecting the right land.

Bushfire protection and codes- recent changes mean careful attention is required to avoid cost shocks and unforeseen design implications.

Zoning and development controls-critical in determining what is allowable in the site.

Neighbours, current and potential future- understanding what is happening in planning and development is important to allow secure investment.

Council approvals and programme implications- every council is different and some insight into special issues of the region and approval times are critical.

Water security- town water is not always available and catchment areas need to be considered in the design of potable and non-potable water supply.

Flooding- extremely important for buildings and infrastructure such as effluent management

Site contamination- old rural properties can have some residue of old practices and intensive farming so good to check.

Climate and local ecology- the geology, geography and microclimate aspects of the site will be important to ensure you can build effectively but also achieve your objectives around sustainability and lifestyle.

Biodiversity- may impact upon where and how you build.

Heritage- do you want to live in heritage or adapted heritage building.

Watercourses and riparian controls- setbacks and controls apply for building and effluent among other items.

Effluent management and runoff- often unsewered sites require careful management with an understanding of soil type and dispersion especially if within sensitive environments.

Getting the right builder and subcontractors – if you are remote this may influence the methods of construction and materials.

Agreeing your brief and budget- it is good to have clear understanding of what is to be spent and then a realistic check against the sites actual needs and costs.

Selecting your architect- you need to be comfortable with design ethos as well as emotional compatibility. The right house takes time, and you will be working closely together on items from the big picture of siting, lifestyle, sustainability right down to detail fittings. You need someone with experience and connections to a team of consultants to guide the dream to fruition.

Sustainability targets and BASIX- clear objectives are good to address early as there are many degrees of sustainable. Cost to benefit assessments are good to understand early and it is essential to know what the minimum standards require to a factor into your planning and budgets.

There are of course other key considerations regarding lifestyle and health such as the type of local community, hospitals, and other resources such as food quality, entertainment etc.

“Finding the right land can be a big part of the process and understanding the impact of the site specific issues will help to realise your dream”

Our clients had a passion for rural life and small farm production which has driven the outcome on their property on NSW south Coast.

The site

The project started with the purchase of a 10 Ha parcel of land originally part of a much larger cattle farm within a valley just inland of the coast.

Constructed in stages over 3 years the site initially started with the conversion of the old sheds to temporary accommodation while the infrastructure was installed. this included water catchment with dams and shed roof capture to tanks, access roads, AWTS (effluent) and power were installed followed by the residence.

Through drought then the worst fires in NSW history then followed by local flooding and a mini cyclone the project grew on top of the hill.

The site itself has 3 dams all fed by a series of swales across the old cattle grazing paddocks which carefully direct the flow and reduce the runoff.

These dams then pump to a series of tanks that form back up water supply and general water for external use.

The extensive roof areas collect rainwater runoff within a series of underground tanks, the main tank being adjacent the house and pool. The swimming pool is back up water supply and constructed from concrete rainwater tank modified for a swimming pool.

The lower site sheds also capture freshwater into an underground tank which than has back up pump to feed into the house supply.

A comprehensive plan for a fickle climate.

The vegetable garden is fed from a small dam fed by local spring, providing an all-year round suppl. This is pumped to gravity feed tank adjacent which then irrigates the gardens with a series of controlled flow drip systems depending on each species needs.

Beehives and chickens produce a continuous and increasing supply of natural produce.

The Infrastructure and approval processes cannot be underestimated. The land although relatively cleared due to its history as dairy farm does contain sensitive ecosystems with protected riparian zones. So, any work in these areas is required to manage the ecological outcomes. Any runoff from wastes also must be dissipated within certain control levels . The 2 onsite enviro-cycle systems are installed to capture all waste form the house, sheds, and fire shelter.

Inground electrical and water supply and distribution systems allow variety of reticulation between the various buildings across the site.

Internet is provided by Telstra radio direct link from the hilltop adjacent and distributed by on site Intralinks.

Solar panels on the sheds and the main house deliver 2 x 6 kwh to supplement the cabled electrical supply.

The Home

The home itself sits just below the hill crest to achieve views across the valley and capture the sites breezes and sun throughout the year.

Designing for view and workable defensible space for variety of weather conditions throughout the year.

The original sketch design was based on the historic land contours and once on site the opportunity for the house pad size and orientation to adjust allowed the owner to make several layout & design changes incorporating the garage , enlarged relocated office , pool and pool deck area.

The owner is experienced in construction and his partner is an avid gardener so together with the consultant team of architect, engineers, and landscape architect the design evolved.

Key components of the design approach were accepting the original approved house location and orientation to the south. While this allowed the home to capture the best views it meant designing to capture winter sun, maintain privacy and deliver protected sunspots in winter a from range of weather conditions.

The design needed to be economical and able to be delivered by local trades on a site with complex access.

The simple but dramatic scales of roof and fire- resistant material selection will weather into the landscape.

The assemblage of buildings creates a small-town space on the hilltop with the combination of sloped roof forms around central landscape areas and decks. This provides a range of spaces for different events, lifestyle and weather conditions which vary considerably thought the seasons.

An office is located to meet visitors or do business without entering the house but close enough to be connected.

The house is designed to allow good cross ventilation with banks of glass louvres and doors to facilitate the flow of the various breezes. The height of the roof and shape of the house especially through its cross section give access to good high-level glazing for deep winter sun into the living areas.

Internally all floors in main living areas are Blackbutt planking laid onto concrete slab.

The office is positioned to provide a shelter and change of scale for the spaces in between. An ideal outcome for remote working.

Extensive solar panels and solar water heating systems are included on the roof of the main building and the garage.

Native vegetation selected to minimise water and work with available sun and wind.

The location adjacent a National Park and the lands orientation and contours have determined the fire protection requirements for the site. BAL 29 to 12.5 with a separate fire shelter and set distances from neighbouring forest have all guided the shape and selection of materials.

Hardwood Ironbark cladding and decks selected for BAL ratings provide a rich texture that will weather in the environment.

“Stephen had a great appreciation of light and space. Our house feels open and vast when in fact its only 136m2, that’s a talent”

A happy client on our design outcome.

Other planning site controls

Town planning setbacks-

The site is zoned RU2 Rural Landscape.

Dwelling-houses are permissible within the RU2 subject to Council’s development consent.

Land surrounding the subject site comprises rural land holdings of various sizes that accommodate rural dwelling houses and associated outbuildings.

The subject site comprises mainly cleared paddocks with forested areas following watercourses that flow across the subject site . There are three watercourses that flow across the subject site (see as well as three farm dams.

Power lines controls

Fire controls BAL rating as well as RFS input for fire shelter on site due to isolated nature of the property and response times.

Cut and fill and impacts on water management.

Geotechnical and potential for hidden water springs or pathways underground

Soil structure and capacity of retaining walls.

Use of planting swales and slopes to create groves for fruit trees and manage the natural run off

Some statistics

Size of property -10 HA

Area of house -136m2

Decks -52m2

Office – 30m2

Garage- 50m2

Bush fire refuge- 36m2

Shed 1- good storage.

Shed 2 –workshops.

Sheds 3- tractor equipment

Intensive vegetable garden

Water tank storage tank 1 tank 2

Garden water storage

Dams x 3

Solar collection- 2 x 6kwh

Pool tank- 105,000 litres

Freshwater tank -main house 105,000 litres

Underground tanks- 2 x 10,00litre for gardening filled from the 3 dams.

2 x AWTS systems

Budget

$1.0m excluding fees.

House office pool $600k

Infrastructure refuge shed $400k.

contractors

Owner Builder- with retired local builder who lived on site engaged to run the site as leading hand.

Local trades and suppliers engaged for subcontracts.

project undertaken as director of stephen pearse architect.

Creating environments for living within our growing cities requires an understanding of the new density and how to create the private realm. Making the most of limited space and working with the local climatic conditions, each space is crafted for light, life and a sense of beauty. The designs have included single dwellings to multiple apartments in a range of settings locally and overseas.

All of my work looks to create authentic re-presentation of materials and the integration of the environment and landscape. Colour and operability of permeable elements are important parts of the detailed design and the creation of flexible places for living, adaptable to weather, light, seasons and the mood of the occupants.

The work includes major high rise competition wins with City of Sydney , masterplans for major developers and bespoke housing for select clients. The role often involves extensive yield studies and options staged through a managed planning process. 

Projects undertaken working with the teams from steve pearse architecture +, GroupGSA, dwp, Colliers, Cushman Wakefield, Clarkekeller.

Every projects starts somewhere and working with clients to unlock the potential of their sites is of critical importance.

The ability to know the industry, with experience in multiple function types, local government and department of planning frameworks has contributed to studies completed for government and private organisations such as: Colliers, Cushman Wakefield, Department of Education, Roche, Cbus.

These studies have allowed for the successful disposal of land and relocation of clients, development of new briefs such as the innovative multi level school programme for the NSW department of education at Parramatta and the sale of lands realising returns for private clients.

Projects undertaken working with the teams from steve pearse architecture+, groupgsa, dwp.

A concept for new residential on the river front in Brisbane Queensland. The objective to create a distinctive architecture with all apartments capturing the view and referencing the tropical lifestyle of the region.

The concept developed the tree house with timber detailed balconies and screens opening and closing to the seasons and allowing the filtered views to the river and city skyline.

Project undertaken working with the team at dwp.

The feasibility study investigated options for the development of the current land holding and the purchase of neighbouring land to increase yield. The process involved site and local government negotiation within NZ together with town planning and quantity surveying to test a number of options for viability.

The design delivered a pragmatic form analysis and an apartment model and mix to suit this developing NZ market.

Upgrade of 25 floors in Macquarie street Sydney.

The work required the extensive remodelling of all courts, public galleries, offices and lobbies. The design developed distinct material differences for the varying court jurisdictions of Federal, Supreme and High Courts while creating a unified public realm experience for the visitor.

Extensive use of new IT and court procedures shaped the design outcome.

Projects undertaken working with the teams at  groupgsa, Hassell.

Masterplanning new education environments brings great challenges and rewards as the brief demands both a concept that inspires as well as the need to satisfy the often complex funding models and staging.

Leading the design and the teams with full architect service commissions within DCM and groupgsa delivering over 15 new schools through various phases. The designs deliver formal functional spaces, often flexible to facilitate multiple use requirements and value for money, as well as carefully crafted external spaces. Landscaped space forming a critical component of the education and socialisation environments so as to facilitate student growth outside the traditional teaching environment.

Sustainable principles often on clear display, permaculture and passive systems demonstrate directly to the enquiring mind the ability to create sensitively within our dynamic and often harsh environment.

Projects undertaken working with the teams at DCM, GroupGSA.

Exhibitions are designed for close examination and require specific attention to detail to ensure the power of the exhibition concept is conveyed without in-appropriate distraction. Exhibition masterplanning and specific designs for galleries and museums include Sydney's Powerhouse Museum, Melbourne Museum, Western Plains Cultural Centre Dubbo, Thirlmere Rail Heritage Centre, Art Gallery of NSW Asian gallery extension, Museum of Sydney, Cobar Community Museum and Sydney's Jewish Museum in Darlinghurst.

Projects undertaken working with the teams at steve pearse architecture +, groupgsa, DCM.

The community space at Narellan a developing town centre in Sydney's south west wraps the new plaza with retail, library, function centre, youth centre and café. The planning creates two address points recognising the sites locality and the functional needs to access several entrances within one secure lobby. The design evolves around the brick entry loggia off which all public amenities are accessed. recognising the need for security, robust materials and different access requirements for hours of operation. The youth centre, function halls, library, retail and plaza all enjoy their unique identity within the assemblage of material and form adjacent remnant forest.

Projects undertaken working with the teams at groupgsa.

City of Sydney design excellence competition scheme and a number of designs for tall buildings explore form and relationship to the street, heritage and the city skyline.

Campbell street design developed around the brief for serviced apartments, through site link and retail precinct adjacent Sydney’s China town. The concept developed around 3 strong forms with climatic adjustable facades and integrated artwork.

Projects undertaken working with the teams at groupgsa and dwp.

New commercial head quarters buildings respond to workplace needs, town planning controls and the development models to realise their final outcome.

Projects undertaken working with the teams at groupgsa

Hills shire council relocation to a commercial building in North west business park delivered a modern work environment of 10,000m2.

The council relocated from a purpose built 1970s building which was being demolished for the new North West rail link.

The design drew on the communities relationship to their natural environment and the communal council chamber form developed to reflect the open communication of the circular forum.

Projects undertaken working with the teams att dwp and Richard Crookes.

Community Hubs are key components of safe cohesive neighbourhoods. Successful master planning must consider the site specific, programmatic, approval pathways, budget and programming together with the aspirational and specific attributes of the community served. The design must also balance permanent infrastructure and flexibility, as needs will vary over time, and it is important for the community to be involved with change and evolution of the facility.

stephen pearse working with teams from a number of organisations has experience in developing master plans and delivering components with the project team for local and overseas destinations.

This experience will facilitate discussions around brief development, selection of specialist advisors for the various functional possibilities as well as specialist sports infrastructure advisors.

This inclusion of the right team members is important for the delivery of a balanced brief that suits your communities specific needs and future planning.

illustrated projects include

Quatab Golf Club New Delhi , Carnes Hill Community masterplan, Commonwealth Games masterplanning New Delhi, Rio Olympic bid, -as design director GroupGSA.

drawings supplied by GroupGSA

This new Golf Club for a public course in Delhi provides a cool nature inspired respite in the harsh climate. Wrapped in timber and shielded by broad roofs the function centres, bars, restaurants and utility areas sit within a rare green expanse in this busy city.

Projects undertaken working with the teams at groupgsa

Fitting more into less is the new normal.  The village model connected to public transport has meant the revaluation of land parcels in strategic locations.

Projects have investigated new ways of living, working and investigating where to... have occupied our creative teams.

What do we need to do to live in the cities of the future and what will changes such as car less cities mean?

The idea of an activity based city model where we structure our built framework for flexible adaption as the needs change.

Reinterpretation of old infrastructure for new uses without necessarily destructing them.

Densification with social befits and an amenity outcome for the residents.

Projects undertaken working with the teams at steve pearse architecture+, GroupGSA, dwp.

Designing for short stay projects includes a 3.5 star hotel, student accommodation and campus design, hotel and retail outlets.

Short stay design often involves the ability to create the maximum activity or service needs in the minimum space. This involves an understanding of the fit out design and supply chain to create an efficient system of components and also the ability to create the right look and feel for the market.

The portfolio includes a modular based 3.5 star hotel project with flexible modules to fit tight sites within the Brisbane city market; student apartments including the design and siting for facilities within master plans for new campus developments in China, design competition for UNSW and a master plan for Sydney University Camden campus.

Designs for the Diocese of Parramatta at Harris Park involved the detail design and delivery of a new master plan, student accommodation for the seminary, dining and recreation facilities , outdoor spaces and accommodation in apartments.

All projects demonstrated knowledge about the importance of the master plan vision, the site and how to create destination and lifestyle outcome in the very competitive markets.

Projects were undertaken as design director with groupGSA and leading design and the teams at dwp.

A new 30,000m2 office development in fortitude valley providing side core large floor plate for flexibility and extensive ground floor amenity. The new development is to provide a unique arrival for the ride to work commuter with cafes and meeting facilities overlooking the neighbouring park and facing north.

Project undertaken working with the teams at dwp.