Building projects you’ll love, and love building together – since 1989.
Project of the month
Dover Heights Residence I
This extensive renovation of an existing beach house set atop the cliffs north of Sydney’s Bondi Beach pushed us to our limits – on and off of the exposed site.
Within a few weeks of commencing demolition, the pandemic forced us to learn an entirely new method of building remotely, even though some of us were only a kilometre or two away from site!
Traditional building techniques were augmented with special structural steel to help the building withstand the large wind pressures that come off the coast, and many design decisions were carefully and considerately made, to select the best possible materials in order to withstand the punishing environment the building is situated within.
Safety and the environment were ever-present concerns, as the site has an 80m cliff at the rear boundary, particularly as the pool and deck are cantilevered at the edge.
Architecture by Quinlan Group
Interiors by The Design Barn
Photos by Brett Boardman
Video by Firewater
A 2-minute video of our construction process at this amazing location!
Cool Products
As most of you know, we do many smaller projects a year in our Horizon Special Works division. This often means we are working inside a home that a family or business are occupying whilst we’re there! Fine building dust can get into every corner of the house, and can take huge efforts and lots of time to get out once it has entered into cupboards and on to walls…
Zipwall is a product we have been using for a number of years that can be quickly and easily set up to keep dust and debris from entering into parts of the house we are not working in, or where other people are living or working from. It doesn’t leave a mark on the floor or ceiling, and can be erected quickly and simply anywhere we need.
Designer of the month
In a new feature in our newsletters moving forward, we’ll be meeting some of the designers we work closely with on a day to day basis! In our first feature, we meet Stephen Javens from KPDO, the Melbourne-based design firm he runs with wife, Kerry Phelan.
What inspired you to become an architect?
Strangely, for a modernist, it was through a love of heritage (and in particular) classical architecture. I loved the sense of creativity within a prescribed set of guidelines. Over time though, I came to love modernist architecture. So now, after a long journey, I’d describe our work as humanist, it’s contemporary but based in a deep understanding of historical precedents.
What is your design philosophy, and how do you approach each new project?
We believe good design creates a positive emotional response. We all have a deep connection to what makes us comfortable, based on space, proportion, and light. Once the fundamentals are set, then we overlay materiality to create depth and texture. For us, each project is different in response to the personality and needs of each client, but also to the specifics of the site. Each project is a unique journey we take together.
Can you describe a project you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of?
We have just completed a home for a client who loves to entertain and who is also an accomplished jazz pianist. The home (as is the client) is totally unique. The footprint is an interplay with 3 magnificent oak trees that create a canopy over the house. The architecture features soft organic geometry that allows the daylight to ‘spritz’ around the internal spaces. The base materiality is very neutral, white brickwork, hard plaster, soft oak, and travertine with more textured, sculptural, joinery elements working in counterpoint. The result is completely unique and a wonderful compliment to the client’s brief and trust in the process.
How do you balance the needs and desires of your clients with your own creative vision?
For us, the design process is a conversation which takes us on a journey together. So ‘balance’ is the right word.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing architecture and design in the built environment today?
Of course, the most immediate issue is around energy and building life cycle, with good design being embedded in responsibility to the environment. There is also a shortage in raw materials and labour which is creating cost pressure. We also think there has been a drift away from the fundamentals of good design with houses becoming larger (and not necessarily better) and gardens smaller. We try to find a balance, so our houses look like homes.
How do you see the future of architecture evolving, and what role do you hope to play with Horizon?
As I’m an optimist! I’d hope architecture responds to these challenges by creating long standing homes of good proportion and scale, with a sense of appropriate materiality and craft. To do this we need skilled builders to be involved earlier in the design process. This is how we’ve always worked with Horizon, who become part of the conversation with regard to costing and constructability advice. Building for longevity is a craft, so we all need to be along for the journey.
Employee of the month
This month we meet one of our Site Managers, Chris FYFE, who alongside his drills and circular saw, keeps a set of bagpipes in his toolbox!
How long have you been at Horizon?
Just over a year now!
What do you love about your job?
I love working as part of a team
What are you working on at the moment?
I am currently working on a remedial job in Vaucluse. The Clients are still living there, so I’ve had to take a lot of care with protection and working around their life.
What do you enjoy about working with architects and designers?
I enjoy the problem solving aspect of trying to bring their designs to life.
Where were you born?
Near Glasgow, Scotland
What has been your greatest professional achievement to date?
Being awarded the Glasgow Trade House Award for Furniture Making.
What’s the most useful thing you’ve learned throughout your career?
The most useful thing I have learned is knowing how to prioritise. Three people you’d have over for a BBQ?
I would love to invite Richrd Dawkins (British evolutionary biologist), Graham Hancock (British author), and Ray Mears (British woodsman) – (Editor’s note: Yes, we had to google them…)
Favourite dessert?
Creme Brulee has been a favourite since I was young. What do you do outside of work?
I mostly try to spend time with my wife and two young boys, but I also enjoy gardening and reef keeping.
Recent news
SAVE THE DATE
The annual Horizon Golf Championship has been locked in for 21st of September, 2023!
We have been incredibly lucky to secure one of Sydney’s most exclusive courses for the day – Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club!
All proceeds will shared by the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation and Chris O’Brien’s Lifehouse @ RPA. Last year we raised over $15,000 (see below), and this year we want to smash that number!
Email us if you’d like to play and/or sponsor the event.
2022 GOLF DAY
We were delighted to recently hand over a cheque for $15,500 to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation for funds raised at our annual Golf Day last year!
We are looking to double that amount in 2023!!! See above to register your interest.
Under Construction
Our Northbridge Residence II, a major renovation of an extraordinary harbourside waterfront block in collaboration with Architects Design King Company, and EngineersPartridge is well under way, and we are working on multiple areas on the site simultaneously. Access on the steep site is a constant challenge, as is the weather and ground conditions, requiring careful and deliberate planning and coordination – but we are making great progress, to the delight of our excited clients!
The Vault
Our Vaucluse Residence III alterations and additions project in Vaucluse was inspired by the 1950’s Palm Springs architecture, and designed by Melissa Collison and Phillips Henngham Architects. We can just imagine Peter Sellers drinking a martini in the living room, sitting beside the off-form concrete fireplace!
Horizon – Building projects you’ll love, and love building together.
Since 1989.
We’d love to speak with you about your next project.
