Project of the month

Palm Beach Residence I
Cork House

Designed by Studio Shand, Cork House has been recognised as a finalist for the Australian Interior Design Award in the Residential Design category. Nestled in the tranquil Palm Beach area, this family home beautifully merges contemporary aesthetics with the charm of its original timber and brick structure. The design thoughtfully integrates the surrounding parkland and waterway, preserving the architectural heritage while embracing modern living.

Studio Shand’s approach—emphasising essential materials, geometric forms and meticulous craftsmanship—captures the essence of both the natural environment and the home’s rich history. By blending modern materials such as cork, timber, tile, and micro-cement with elements of the original construction, Cork House provides a living experience that respects its past while catering to contemporary family needs.

Despite challenges posed by the existing structure, these were adeptly managed. The home now features upgraded bathrooms, a new kitchen and enhanced joinery throughout, ensuring a high-quality, satisfying outcome for all involved. The result is a unique, functional space that combines beauty, durability and a connection to nature, making Cork House a standout example of thoughtful residential design.

Architect by Studio Shand
Photos by Traianos Pakioufakis

Blog

Our End of Year party on the weekend was yet again another roaring success. Over 200 of our nearest and dearest celebrated what has been another fantastic year – our 44th in business. Obviously our staff all come, but also we invite their partners, along with our clients past & present, designers, subcontractors and suppliers to join us as well. From architects to electricians, even our IT managers come along to celebrate the last 12 months of hard work, discipline, safety, learning & teaching, and managing the special projects we’re entrusted to deliver.

And why not? It’s a chance to see our peers outside of the workplace, to catch up with our partners and keep in touch with the other parts of our lives outside of work, and a chance for everyone (including myself) to fully understand the scale of the Horizon machine, and the length, breadth & depth of the “village” it takes to raise our “children” throughout the year. It’s pretty impressive. Literally awesome. A massive honour and responsibility.

One of our long-term subbies came to me on the night and expressed his gratitude fo the invite. None of the other builders he works with throughout the year invite any of the subbies to their end of year party, if they have one at all, he said. I replied that we couldn’t do the special things we do without them – their efforts, but also their expertise, so it’s just natural to us include them as well!

The other interesting point that came to my mind on the night was as we gave out our annual awards. The vast majority of our Apprentice of the Year winners over the last ten years are not only still with us, but many have gone on to win our Employee of the Year award as well. To a firm, every Subcontractor of the Year award-winner (always a popular category on the night), is still doing multiple projects with us to this day.

It’s those kinds of long-term relationships, inside and outside the core Horizon team, built on trust and sustained over many years, that are the secret of our success.

Wishing everyone a Happy Hannukah, a Merry Xmas, and a Happy New Year 2025. See you on the other side!

Dave.

Under Construction

This project in Rose Bay involves demolishing the existing home and rebuilding it with a redesigned layout. The front door will be repositioned, creating a more direct entry. The new living room, kitchen and dining areas will be reconfigured to open up the space to optimise views of Sydney Harbour and improve functionality. The rebuild will focus on modern design and high-quality finishes to enhance both the home’s aesthetic and its livability.

We’re currently working on a Special Works project at a beautiful waterfront property in Vaucluse, where timber decking and finishes around the house and boathouse have deteriorated due to weather and saltwater exposure. Our team is replacing and restoring these areas with durable materials designed for coastal conditions, ensuring the property remains beautiful and resilient for years to come.

Cool Products

Shipping container swimming pools are a versatile, durable option for any backyard, whether it’s a small space or a sloped area. Made from repurposed containers, they’re customisable and can be mounted or elevated to suit different terrains. A stylish and functional solution for anyone looking to add a pool with modern appeal.

The Vault

Addison St, Manly

Architect Leech Harmon Architects and Lindsay Little Architects
Engineer Partridge
Photography Karl Beath
Award 2012 Master Builders Association NSW Excellence in Housing Award – $5M-$10M category