CASE STUDY
PROTECTING MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR VIEWS Project credits: Project: Mosman House Architect: Peter Tout Fabricator: K&K Shopfitters
Sydney’s highly coveted harbour outlooks attract multi-million dollar investments in new homes and renovations. However, the flip side of harbour proximity is absolute exposure to the vagaries of the weather, with coastal lows apt to drive rain for days on end.
‘The Schüco window systems are exquisitely designed and made, and they push the boundaries with the narrowness of their frames.’
The challenges of optimising panoramic harbour views while defending against water penetration faced award-winning architect Peter Tout in the renovation of this Mosman house. The home’s north-facing Middle Harbour views, large level block and rear laneway had attracted an expatriate family returning to Sydney. While the 80s-built home possessed an exceptionally sound structure, it required a major renovation to update its amenities and styling. The family engaged award-winning architect Peter Tout and window fabricator K&K Shopfitters to undertake the project. Peter says the clients wanted a great family home for their four young children and to develop the home’s existing curves further. As well as a total internal and external makeover, the resulting design included
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the addition of a northern extension for additional parking with a rooftop terrace, separate nanny accommodation, a large rumpus room, a new pool and a basement golf driving range. The home’s north-facing aspect prompted the use of overhangs and awnings for solar control, preventing sun penetration through the large panoramic windows that celebrate the home’s harbour and garden views. Given the views and coastal exposure, the selection of window systems was critical to the home’s redesign and renovation. The project team and clients considered several high-end window systems and selected the Schüco systems distributed by Capral. ‘The Schüco window systems are exquisitely designed and made, and they push the boundaries with the narrowness of their frames,’ Peter notes. Schüco’s ASS39 sliding panoramic design window system is a highlight of the renovation. Designed to offer maximum transparency and light penetration, ASS39 offers a handle-free solution for a clean, minimalist design. It can be single or double-glazed and provides a recessed sill with a proprietary drain system.
