Quarry House

Quarry House occupies a very special suburban lot – located directly opposite a park, near the site of an old sandstone quarry, with views of the local bay and historic Rodd Island, and an expansive panorama of the city skyline beyond. The siting of the house drove the three key design concepts: a solid long-lasting exterior material palette, taking advantage of the views, and an interior of soft neutral tones with references to the owner’s Italian heritage. 

The house is constructed primarily of concrete perimeter walls and concrete floor and roof slabs, with minimal internal structure. The off-form and roughcast rendered textures ensure a low maintenance exterior, while the open-plan interiors allow for future flexibility. The floorplan is organised around a large north-facing courtyard – this admits light and air to key spaces, while glazed courtyard walls ensure views across the whole house. The central circular roof opening acts as a sun dial tracking the time of day and creating a multitude of reflections. 

The landscape scheme is inspired by Mediterranean courtyards - succulents and hardy natives play the main role, with pebbles and stone pavers creating paths and resting spaces. In the front garden a sandstone block creates an inviting seat to have a coffee and chat with passers-by, while the rear garden provides a hidden oasis complete with plunge pool shaded by a pergola and citrus trees for shade and privacy.

External views are controlled and framed to ensure flexibility in terms of openness, sun control and ventilation. The ‘thick’ front façade is overhung by a deep off-form concrete eave, with a low planter to visually connect the park to the interior while blocking direct views into the house from the footpath. Adjustable external louvres for heat control, oversized free-sliding stacking windows, and retractable flyscreens are all considered and crucial elements in the composition.

The interiors are a combination of hard-wearing ceramic, marble, and concrete materials, softened by natural tones of timber, veneer, textiles and stucco. Bespoke joinery elements along with new and repurposed furniture pieces throughout add to a feeling of relaxed luxury while respecting the craft and style of the past. 

Equally suited as an intimate house for a small family or as a multi-generational dwelling, Quarry House pays homage to the history of the site and the new owner’s heritage, while providing a flexible and robust dwelling to be enjoyed for many years to come.

Construction by Ferrocon
Landscape design by Melissa Wilson Landscape Architects
Styling by Liz Szczerbicki
Photography by Tom Ferguson
Article in The Local Project