Residential

Working in close collaboration with architect Rolf Ockert, Partridge carried out the structural design for a complex, primarily concrete house in South Coogee, situated above a ravine over the ocean. The lower ground slab was designed to be suspended approximately 6m across the ravine, and relies on some support from an existing masonry sea wall. The architecture involved challenging angles, large cantilevers, and highly detailed exposed concrete with cast in services, rebates for glazing, and nearly every column being a different geometry. Winner of CIA Award for Excellence, Residential Buildings.

Our teams played a vital role in the design and construction of “On The Promised Land,” a remarkable single-storey residence. The architectural vision was realized through the inter- linking of two pavilions that seemingly float above the sloping site. We employed steel portal frames as the structural skeleton, elegantly clad with recycled hardwood throughout. Through close collaboration with the builder and architect, we ensured efficient construction by prefabricating all steel, roof, and wall panels. This enabled a seamless and swift installation process on the secluded site. The result is a unique and captivating residence that blends innovation, sustainability, and modern design.

The Lavender Bay House project presented unique challenges, due to its location and the design brief and involved highly detailed off-form concrete, dynamic views, and precise integration between all disciplines. Out-of-the-box thinking was required to solve unique structural problems as most aspects of the architecture “pushed the envelope” in terms of the concrete’s capacity and capabilities – that is, each element’s ability to satisfactorily span the long distances between supports, without deflecting excessively or cracking. This was exacerbated by the concrete having to perform significant origami in places, owing to folds, rebates, and significant recesses notched into the beams or slabs at critical zones of high stress.

This demanding project involved constructing a rear extension and adding a second storey on a narrow 6 metres wide site with proposed levels mismatched from the neighbour’s levels. Deep timber beams were used instead of steel for large spans, hidden within stud walls. Timber columns were concealed under the bespoke steel stairs and tricky detailing used to work around plumbing penetrations for the first-floor bathroom. The result, a sleek and seamless finish with all the support work hidden to enhance the aesthetics of a challenging project.

Partridge were engaged in the remarkable renovation of a heritage cottage from the 1880s involved extensive excavation, reaching depths of 10 meters, to accommodate various structural elements. The design incorporated sandstone sea-walls, showcasing the cottage’s historical charm. The addition of expressed timber framing and a steel-framed tension tie roof further enhanced the cottage’s structural integrity.

The construction featured off-form cast-in-situ concrete, boasting heated polished concrete floor toppings. The bespoke large format steel framed windows with cast-in reveals beautifully framed the surroundings. The design culminated in a breathtaking 5-meter cantilever floor plate suspended from curved off-form concrete walls. This exceptional project received accolades, winning the Small Building Projects Award for ACSE Excellence in Structural Engineering and the Medallion for Excellence in Concrete at both the CIA National and State awards.

Gibsons Beach House is a striking three-storey residence nestled on a triangular-shaped site in a picturesque natural valley leading to a small beach. The unique L-shaped block design called for engineering creativity in the use of off-form concrete in the walls, floors, and ceilings. Additionally, a curvaceous raw steel stair was meticulously designed to elegantly connect the entertaining spaces on the upper levels to the private gardens, swimming pool, and entertaining terraces on the ground level. The incorporation of large spans and glass façades creates an open and inviting living space that seamlessly blends with the lush garden. Our team also facilitated the integration of a carport located below the house, accessible through a covered walkway.

Situated on the edge of Bilgola Beach, this all- new house boasts large span concrete slabs, off-form concrete walls and elegant expressed steel framing. The property’s entrance leads to the self-contained penthouse-like wing for the permanent residents, that can be opened up to the guest wings. A sense of oneness with the remarkable location was achieved through operable façade and skylight elements, while large cantilevers hang the first floor from the roof structure, cantilevering off the bespoke fireplace. The off form external concrete walls replicate a timber finish and blend with the natural landscape. Shoring was required for the basement excavation in the loose beach sand and through an old seawall revetment, combatting coastal erosion. Partridge collaborated on this project with internationally renowned Seattle- based firm, Olson Kundig as their first project completed in Australia.

Drill Hall House is a remarkable architectural project led by Tobias Partners. The former army drill hall, built in 1905, underwent a meticulous restoration and adaptation process to transform it into a contemporary open home. The architects successfully achieved a modern aesthetic while preserving and incorporating the original details, respecting the existing form, site attributes, and the owners’ requirements. The restoration primarily focused on the front façade, the original brickwork on the sides, the slate roof, steel roof truss structures, and the interior roof form. Partridge collaborating with the team to ensure the structural integrity of the building throughout the restoration, providing expertise in analysing, reinforcing, and preserving the historic elements while incorporating the desired contemporary features.

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Ravine House

Ravine House

Camp Cove House

Camp Cove House

Treetops House

Treetops House

Forest Lodge House I

Forest Lodge House I

Manly House VII

Manly House VII

On The Promised Land

On The Promised Land

North Bondi House III

North Bondi House III

Garden Room House

Garden Room House

Paddington House II

Paddington House II

Wallis Lake House

Wallis Lake House

Woollahra House II

Woollahra House II

Glebe House I

Glebe House I