SAOTA’s water’s edge villa echoes the tones and textures of australia’s sandstone cliffs

water’s edge overlooks the sydney harbor

SAOTA and TKDS’ Water’s Edge is a multilevel villa that seamlessly integrates its waterfront location across all facets of its design – from its orientation and program to its material palette and landscaping. Overlooking Sydney Harbor and guided by the grandeur of its setting, the residence creates a continuous interface with the water while mirroring the tones and textures of the neighboring sandstone cliffs.

Its facade is marked with simple geometries with minimal sculptural interventions, clad in lava stone and accented with weathered copper, bronze aluminum, and honed Mount White Sandstone — a vernacular material prevalent throughout Australia. The architecture’s evocative character is enhanced by Myles Baldwin’s complementary landscaping, planting rare native species, large specimens, and sculptural tropical plants alongside cascading pools that direct views towards the harbor.

all images by Tom Ferguson

saota complete the villa as an extension of its natural site

Water’s Edge unfolds across an expansive plot of land, its streamlined linearity and chamfered planes echoing the horizon of the ocean beyond. To maintain a subtle presence, partially hidden from the streetfront while embracing scenic views of the harbor, SAOTA and TKDS lowered the villa into the landscape and maintained generous setbacks. Its resulting profile is preserves the historic neighborhood’s modest character, while contrasting with the villa’s boldly sculpted stone elevation and cantilevered living areas visible from the harbor.

The residents’ approach to the villa is an intimate, gradual unfolding, leading through a lushly landscaped forecourt through a sculptural porte-cochère and into the villa’s double-volume spaces. Inside, carved white sandstone columns support the roof, while full height-glazing fills the space with natural light and panoramic vistas. In the living room, delicately patterned and perforated copper screens filter this light, adding a gentle, foliage-like effect that softens the solidity of the stone columns and the space’s vast scale. Across the program, fluidity between indoor and outdoors is embraced while maintaining privacy for residents. Living areas are situated on the ground floor to allow easy access to outdoor spaces, while bedrooms are positioned on the upper levels.

SAOTA and TKDS complete the Water’s Edge villa

landscaping by Myles Baldwin complements the architecture

a sculptural porte-cochère leads into the villa

honed Mount White Sandstone — a vernacular material prevalent throughout Australia — is utilized

double-volume spaces lend a sense of grandeur

stone walls reflect the textures of the cliffs

sleek and metallic surfaces within

the material palette mirrors the tones and textures of the neighboring sandstone cliffs

open views overlooking Sydney Harbor

full height-glazing creates fluidity between indoor and outdoor spaces

openness and a sense of privacy are ensured at once