Urban Impact — Watershed Architects Projects New Residences, Alterations and Additions, Northern Beaches of Sydney.

Queenscliff 09

Located atop the cliff looking north east over Freshwater Beach, this three bedroom home has been created on a mere 138sqm allotment. The design has achieved a two storey home with two living spaces, a private courtyard and a terrace with sweeping beach and ocean views, while minimising view loss to neighbouring properties. Robust materials including concrete brick and fibre cement panels were chosen to withstand the rigours of the coastal environment and the pedestrian thoroughfare to the beach below.

New ResidenceCarolyn Miles1 December 2025Northern Beaches, Ocean front, Urban Impact, Queenscliff

Queenscliff 08

A substantial renovation transformed this home perched on the Queenscliff side of Manly Lagoon. A parent’s retreat on a new upper level captures sea breezes and views while a replanned and expanded living level below provides well proportioned spaces for indoor and outdoor relaxation and entertainment. Additional bedrooms and family room are on a lower ground level with the site falling steeply to the lagoon below.

Balgowlah 05

A single site was sub-divided into two separate sites with a new three bedroom residence constructed on each one. The buildings follow the fall of the land, stepping down towards rear north-facing gardens. A flexible room at the front of the home can be used as a second living area, home office or fourth bedroom. The open plan kitchen, dining and living area are on the ground level, connected to the garden with a covered terrace. A two storey height void over the dining space brings light down into the centre of the floor plan and connects the upper level bedrooms via an open gallery style hallway.

New ResidenceCarolyn Miles2 November 2023Balgowlah, Townhouse, Narrow site, Subdivision, Northern Beaches, Urban Impact

Manly 14

A Watershed project from circa 2005 gets a makeover with a hidden upper floor and revitalised living areas. This home is tucked away in a tropical style oasis at the rear of a battle-axe block. The new upper level contains a main bedroom, ensuite and robe with a second bedroom and bathroom and is barely visible from anywhere on the site. Clever planning has maximised the potential of this compact footprint while maintaining an indoor-outdoor flow throughout the home.

Schedule Appointment

Watershed Architects operates on the traditional land known as Kay-yee-my. We wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land; the Gayamaygal and Garigal people. We acknowledge all First Peoples of this land and celebrate their enduring connections to Country, knowledge and stories.