Mosman Park House
ARCHITECT Philippa Mowbray • BUILDER Adrian Zorzi • INTERIOR DESIGN Malvina Stone • PHOTOGRAPHY Jody D’Arcy • WORDS Elizabeth Clarke
Simple forms, clean lines, and natural tones combine with strong textural elements of nature, like timber, marble, and stone. Stunning water views and a considered selection of furnishings brings it all together.
Outdoor lounges, table and armchair, Henri Living; throw rug, St Alban’s; cushions, covered in Warwick Fabrics; drapes, Decortex Yoga fabric.
The renovation of a modest 1960s house on a stunning cliff block in Mosman Park is both dramatic and architecturally significant. A seamless composition of muted tones, austere lines, and stunning outlooks, it is a family home that is both warm and sophisticated.
“The clients wanted separation between adult and children’s areas without sacrificing and ‘dumbing down’ the less formal areas,” says Philippa Mowbray from Philippa Mowbray Architects. “The site is elevated on the riverside and cuts into the cliff on the other. They wanted to maximise its potential by renovating the old house with a connection to outside for their young family - a challenge on a cliff site!”
The extensive renovation project was designed by Philippa Mowbray Architects in conjunction with Taylor Landscaping and stylist Malvina Stone. Adrian Zorzi Builders won the contract to build the home, and the collaboration to bring the project to life began.
Floor-to-ceiling glass draws in light and water views conveying a sense of airiness.
Outdoor lounges, table and armchair, Henri Living; throw rug, St Alban’s; cushions, covered in Warwick Fabrics; drapes, Decortex Yoga fabric; timber based lamp, Hunters and Collectors Interiors; marble side table, GlobeWest; artwork, Olsen Gallery, Sydney; wall panelling, Euro Trend Kitchens & Furniture; tiles supplied by MCW Stone; windows, Avanti Glass & Aluminium.
Strong architectural lines are softened with gentle tones, natural light, and tactile furnishings.
Soor lounge chairs, Henri Living; rug, Carpet Force, Claremont; sofa, custom made by Casavilla Upholstery; coffee table, GlobeWest; cushions, covered in Warwick Fabrics; Giles Caffier solid grey marble lamp in a sculptural form, editeur; wall panelling & cabinetry, Euro Trend Kitchens & Furniture; tiles supplied by MCW Stone; windows, Avanti Glass & Aluminium.
Pull up a seat. Dark timber contrasts seamlessly with raw tan leather chairs. Shapely ceramic vases provide a crisp clean edge.
Dining table and chairs, Cosh Living; vases, editeur; drapes, Decortex Yoga fabric; Jason Miller chandelier castle for Roll and Hill.
Layers of varying textures like marble, leather, wool, and timber imbue depth to the space.
Bar stools and sofa, custom made by Casavilla Upholstery; Soor lounge chair, Henri Living; rug, Carpet Force, Claremont; Giles Caffier solid grey marble lamp in a sculptural form, editeur; timber based lamp, Hunters and Collectors; coffee table, GlobeWest; cushions, covered in Warwick Fabrics; pendant light, Alti Lighting; cabinetry, Euro Trend Kitchens & Furniture; tiles supplied by MCW Stone; windows, Avanti Glass & Aluminium
“The design sought to use the spaces as a conduit between the two landscapes,” she explains. “There is a transparency, particularly on the living level, that provides an optimum connection. We used a vertical circulation core to separate the formal and informal living areas whilst maintaining a visual connection that enhances a feeling of spaciousness. We also increased the balcony area to the riverside to provide a seamless flow between the rear and the front. The swimming pool was moved to create more usable garden space for the children and entertaining.”
Equitone cladding fixed on a studwork structure was used for the upper floor addition that required a high level of detailing by the Architect and a specialist installer. “The product is great as it’s self-coloured and doesn’t require ongoing maintenance; important given the cliff site and difficulty with access,” she says.
A monochrome palette finds relief in a pair of custom-made brown leather stools.
Bar stools, custom made by Casavilla Upholstery; Giles Caffier solid grey marble lamp in a sculptural form, editeur; pendant light, Alti Lighting; cabinetry, Euro Trend Kitchens & Furniture; tiles supplied by MCW Stone.
From the courtyard, glass doors provide enviable river views.
Dining table, clients’ own; dining chairs, Sitting Pretty; landscaping, Taylor Landscaping; vases, editeur; Jason Miller chandelier castle for Roll and Hill; windows, Avanti Glass & Aluminium.
The site also presented significant hurdles for Taylor Landscaping, who worked closely with Philippa from the very beginning. “There were challenges in maintaining the existing driveway approach and negotiating the level changes over the site and the house,” she explains. “The travertine cladding pool wall feature, with steel detailing and custom waterspout, is an important feature as it’s a backdrop for the home’s internal spaces. It represents the cliff and expresses the scale of the rockface. It also anchors the house, in contrast to the openness and loftiness that is experienced on the other side, with its elevation and expansive river views.”
Inside, the home’s internal spaces feature stone floors, smoky timber panelling and light bronze accents. All finishes are in raw materials and quiet tones in respect to the home’s waterside context, with expansive windows on every level capturing crisp river and skyscapes.
By the pool, is an iconic Amalfi chair, designed by Patrick Naggar for Ralph Pucci New York.
Pool, Taylor Landscaping; Amalfi chair in plaster glass, editeur.
Life al fresco. The pool area sits seamlessly alongside an outdoor dining space, artfully zoned by lush expanses of grass.
Dining chairs, Sitting Pretty; pool, Taylor Landscaping; Amalfi chair in plaster glass, editeur.
Cocktail hour. Curved custom cabinetry and mirrored splashback combine for an elegant spot to stop and sip.
Wall panelling & cabinetry, Euro Trend Kitchens & Furniture; tiles supplied by MCW Stone; windows, Avanti Glass & Aluminium.
Glittering gold accents provide understated glamour and bring a gentle neutral palette to life.
Sofa & armchairs custom made by Casavilla Upholstery; brass side table, GlobeWest; dining table and chairs, Cosh Living; vase, gold tray and cushions all from editeur; pendant light, Gervasoni; marble coffee table, European Concepts; freestanding lamp, Serge Mouille; glass vase, Country Road; drapes, Decortex Yoga fabric; wall panelling & cabinetry, Euro Trend Kitchens & Furniture; tiles supplied by MCW Stone; windows, Avanti Glass & Aluminium.
The middle floor embraces an open living space, where huge glass sliding doors usher in soft daylight. A giant plush rug creates a framework for a comfy custom sofa, marble and metal coffee table, and pair of cocooning Désirée Soor chairs.
Behind it sits the kitchen anchored by a vast marble island bench. Its backdrop is a bank of custom cabinetry crafted in stained timber veneer housing drawers, cupboards, and appliances. A solid grey marble lamp sculpted by avant-garde French designer Gilles Caffier perches at one end, and a graphic light from Alti hovers above.
Cream, caramel, and ivory silk cushions draw their colours from the artwork above.
Artwork, Olsen Gallery, Sydney; gold tray & cushions, editeur; glass vase, Country Road; marble coffee table, European Concepts; sofa, custom made by Casavilla Upholstery; freestanding lamp, Serge Mouille.
A jaunty brass statement light hovers over a sculptural dining table made from glass and marble.
Dining table and chairs, Cosh Living; vase & gold tray, editeur; drapes, Decortex Yoga fabric; pendant light, Gervasoni.
At the opposite end of the space is an elegantly curved timber and glass bar. An intimate sitting space revolving around a circular marble table sits nearby, as well as a small dining room. Its rounded table and gently curved chairs sit beneath a flaring brass light fixture. It looks out onto an alfresco area that embraces the pool and an iconic Amalfi Chair sourced by Editeur from Ralph Pucci New York. Designed by French architect Patrick Elie Naggar, it is crafted from plaster glass, the same material used to make mannequins which the company was once known for before turning it into iconic furniture.
In the master bedroom, pristine hues with a soft quality imbue a serene feel that inspires calm. Subdued furnishing colours instil a luxurious feel, enhanced by the views outside. A plush inky bedhead contrasts with multiple layers of 100% European bed linen by Hale Mercantile Co. A Kelly Wearstler wall sconce provides gentle light. Made from organic carved alabaster and set in a prong setting of rich natural bronze, it imbues effortless luxury and functionality.
Natural art. Vast sheer drapes soften lines and filter and disperse sunlight.
drapes, Decortex Yoga fabric; ottoman, custom made by Casavilla Upholstery; bed linen, Hale Mercantile Co.; chair, editeur; carpet, Carpet Force, Claremont; windows, Avanti Glass & Aluminium
A custom navy velvet bedhead provides framework for layers of luxe organic European bedlinen.
Bed linen, Hale Mercantile Co.; carpet, Carpet Force, Claremont; custom made bedhead by Casavilla Upholstery; wall light, The Montauk Lighting Co.; bedside table, Euro Trend Kitchens & Furniture.
Marble and glass combine for a calm and elegant sanctuary.
Cabinetry, Euro Trend Kitchens & Furniture; tiles supplied by MCW Stone; wall stone supplied by Marble & Cement Corp.
Past and present. An iconic mid-century light sits at ease with a custom Hourglass swivel chair by Editeur.
Hourglass swivel dining chair, editeur; pendant light, Hunters and Collectors; wall panelling, Euro Trend Kitchens & Furniture; Tiles supplied by MCW Stone.
Dramatically beautiful, 9 metres of vertical anodised aluminium battens run through all three levels of the home.
Wall panelling, Euro Trend Kitchens & Furniture; Tiles supplied by MCW Stone.
Dynamic light features selected by Malvina star throughout this home. A standout includes a Danish brass Kastor light sourced from Hunters and Collectors. Designed in 1969 by Jo Hammerborg for Fog & Mørup, it illuminates dark timber-lined walls and spotlights a custom Hourglass swivel chair from Editeur.
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