The Ravine House in South Coogee is a striking blend of natural beauty and innovative architecture, where drama unfolds as you step beyond its tranquil street presence.
Perched above a cliff, this home defies conventional design, offering an architectural experience as dramatic as the ocean waves crashing below.
With its X-shaped layout, geometric stair patterns, and a ravine running beneath, this house is a visual masterpiece.
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Designed by renowned architect Rolf Ockert, the Ravine House embraces its cliffside location, merging seamlessly with the land.
Ockert’s concept revolves around the X-shaped plan, reflecting the ravine’s diagonal lines and offering functional space for the owners.
This design was inspired by the landscape, aiming to blend the home with its surroundings rather than impose upon them.
“This site is certainly one of the most unusual we have ever come across,” says Ockert.
“There is no backyard. Instead of a rocky ravine, we have the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean right into its core. The house grows out of the rock organically and responds to the gorge that defines its base.”
As you approach the house from the street, its understated exterior gives no hint of the dramatic spaces inside. Upon entering, the layout surprises with its openness and angular design.
The X-plan creates a dynamic flow, with multiple levels that follow the natural contours of the land. According to Ockert, the X-shaped plan “suits the internal organisation perfectly, with four bedrooms upstairs and living spaces, dining, loggia, and garage on the main level”.
The house’s design ensures that the ocean is never out of sight. Expansive windows frame sweeping views and the open-plan living areas allow light to flood the interior.
The upper level houses the main living spaces, where the kitchen serves as the central hub, facing the ocean.
The owners, passionate entertainers, wanted a space that fosters connection. The kitchen’s design includes clever features such as a downdraught on the island and a hidden TV in the pantry, making it both functional and stylish.
“The presence of the ocean is immediate, from everywhere in the house,” Ockert explains.
“The angular plan and split-level section, in combination with sometimes unexpected voids and openings, allow a myriad of different viewpoints and experiences of the ocean, the rocks, and the sky.”
The dining room stands out with its bold red bench, adding a pop of colour to the otherwise subdued tones of the space. The interior design balances vibrant accents with the raw materials of concrete, steel, and glass, resulting in a striking yet comfortable atmosphere.
Sustainability was a key consideration in the design of the Ravine House.
The architect and owners maximised roof space with solar panels, ensuring the home’s energy needs were met without overshadowing the natural surroundings.
The materials selected —anodised aluminium, glass, concrete, and steel—were chosen for their durability and ability to withstand the harsh coastal environment, including the salt-laden winds that sweep across the site.
Building on a ravine presented numerous engineering challenges.
The site, with its cliff face and complex topography, required careful planning and innovative solutions.
The team had to demolish the existing structure before fully understanding the extent of the engineering needed to support the home.
“The natural ravine does not stop at the existing sea wall but continues right under the house to the street,” Ockert notes. “This created the opportunity to retain the natural flow of stormwater but also presented unusual engineering challenges.”
Yet, with the help of engineers, Ockert designed a house that spans the ravine, minimising excavation and integrating the landscape into the living space.
The house’s split-level design helps it blend with the land, reducing the need for excavation and creating a flow that follows the natural topography.
One of the standout features of the house is its geometric staircase, inspired by the contours of the surrounding rock face. The 3D cork steps, sourced from Portugal, not only reflect the natural landscape but also provide excellent acoustics, ensuring the home remains quiet despite its concrete and glass construction.
The bathroom is another highlight, particularly the remarkable Italian sink imported by the owners. Made from resin and illuminated by its own light, the sink is a striking design feature.
The bath, positioned to take advantage of the breathtaking ocean views, offers a private yet immersive experience of the surrounding environment.
Beneath the pool, the house features what the owners lovingly refer to as the “Adult Rumpus.” This space, filled with art and bathed in natural light filtering through the pool above, offers a serene retreat with views of both the ocean and the ravine.
The light that filters through the pool’s bottom creates a constantly shifting visual experience, making this space a unique, peaceful haven.
“The room under the pool is our favourite,” says Jenniffer, the owner. “It’s a stunning space with vast amounts of light but no glare. During the day, the light that comes through the ceiling windows is stunning as it shimmers across the walls of artwork, like a moving piece of art itself.”
The Ravine House is more than just a home; it’s an architectural statement that honours its environment while providing a functional, stylish, and sustainable living space. Its design, from the X-shaped layout to the bold interior choices and the integration of the ravine, creates a home that feels as much a part of the land as it does a strikingly modern retreat.
With breathtaking views, innovative architecture, and an unwavering connection to nature, the Ravine House is a true masterpiece of design.
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