Pacific House: A Coastal Retreat in Sydney by Alexander &CO.

Nestled along the dramatic cliffs of Sydney’s coastline, Pacific House is an architectural feat by Alexander &CO. This reimagined dwelling transforms a dated 1990s structure into a vibrant and functional family home. With a blend of Mediterranean-inspired aesthetics and contemporary design sensibilities, the project deftly navigates its challenging site while creating a space that harmonizes with its stunning oceanfront surroundings.

A Vision Guided by Storytelling

For Alexander &CO., architecture is storytelling brought to life. Led by principal architect Jeremy Bull, the firm approached Pacific House as a narrative opportunity to marry the structure’s history with the client’s European heritage and lifestyle needs. The client, a professional family with young children, sought a home that balanced practicality and beauty. The result is a residence that connects its inhabitants to both their immediate environment and a larger design legacy, redefining the home as both a sanctuary and a canvas for living.

Crafting Space and Connection

Alexander &CO. addressed the home’s original shortcomings—a poorly planned layout and a lack of connection to its breathtaking views and gardens. The design introduces clear zoning: one side for family activities, including a new garden and pool, and the other for tranquil moments gazing at the ocean. Structural interventions, such as the conversion of an old driveway into a swimming pool, are both pragmatic and whimsical, exemplifying the project’s thoughtful balance of form and function. The interiors embrace a textural richness and geometric precision, with details like timber-clad steel beams and softly curved masonry walls lending warmth and continuity. Outdoor spaces extend the home’s livable footprint, with cascading greenery softening the white facades and blending the building into its coastal setting. Every element—be it a breakfast nook overlooking the pool or terraces framed by planted edges—enhances a sense of fluidity and connection.

Balancing Challenges and Innovation

Creating a home on a cliffside exposed to the elements presented significant challenges. Coastal storms, construction delays, and supply chain disruptions demanded adaptability from the design team. Despite these hurdles, Pacific House emerges as a testament to resilience and creativity. The home’s enduring aesthetic—contemporary yet rooted in classical forms—stands as a metaphor for its transformation. “I liken these projects to breathing new life into an old maid,” says Jeremy Bull. “The building is once again breathing and quite alive, both aged and contemporary.” Pacific House is not only a home but a dialogue between its past and present, blending functionality with a poetic architectural language that will carry it into the future.

Technical Sheet