Case Studies
Practice
Contact us
Mathieson Costa Brava 01
Mathieson Architects
201/105 Reservoir Street
Surry Hills
NSW 2010 Australia
Clontarf House, Sydney, Australia
Clontarf House, Sydney, Australia
Positioned on the northern edge of Middle Harbour in Sydney, Clontarf House is conceived as a harbourfront residence that brings architecture, interiors and landscape into a singular and composed expression. The house extends across the width of its site, while a central courtyard introduces northern light and establishes a calm internal counterpoint to the expanse of water beyond.

The principal living spaces unfold as a generous, open volume oriented toward the harbour. Expansive glazing dissolves the boundary between interior and terrace, allowing the home to engage directly with the seawall and tidal edge. Multiple lounge settings are arranged within this space, enabling both informal family living and more intimate gatherings around the fireplace, while remaining visually connected as one continuous environment.

The kitchen is conceived as a sculptural element within the room, defined by dark timber joinery and a monolithic stone island. Concealed service areas and sliding panels allow the space to shift seamlessly between open hospitality and discreet function. Adjacent recreation spaces open onto the internal courtyard, reinforcing the dialogue between enclosure and openness and allowing the ground floor to operate as a unified entertaining platform.

Materiality is restrained yet deeply tactile. Pale terrazzo floors anchor the interior, complemented by sandblasted timbers, honed stone and patinated metal accents. In the primary suite, marble-clad doors open to an ensuite lined in expressive stone, set against softly toned timber. Throughout, woven fibre floor mats, linen and silk drapery, and textured upholstery in muted coastal hues temper the architecture. The result is an atmosphere of quiet luxury — luminous, layered and intrinsically connected to its harbour setting.
Photography: Romello Pereira
Mathieson Clontarf House 01
Positioned on the northern edge of Middle Harbour in Sydney, Clontarf House is conceived as a harbourfront residence that brings architecture, interiors and landscape into a singular and composed expression. The house extends across the width of its site, while a central courtyard introduces northern light and establishes a calm internal counterpoint to the expanse of water beyond.

The principal living spaces unfold as a generous, open volume oriented toward the harbour. Expansive glazing dissolves the boundary between interior and terrace, allowing the home to engage directly with the seawall and tidal edge. Multiple lounge settings are arranged within this space, enabling both informal family living and more intimate gatherings around the fireplace, while remaining visually connected as one continuous environment.

The kitchen is conceived as a sculptural element within the room, defined by dark timber joinery and a monolithic stone island. Concealed service areas and sliding panels allow the space to shift seamlessly between open hospitality and discreet function. Adjacent recreation spaces open onto the internal courtyard, reinforcing the dialogue between enclosure and openness and allowing the ground floor to operate as a unified entertaining platform.

Materiality is restrained yet deeply tactile. Pale terrazzo floors anchor the interior, complemented by sandblasted timbers, honed stone and patinated metal accents. In the primary suite, marble-clad doors open to an ensuite lined in expressive stone, set against softly toned timber. Throughout, woven fibre floor mats, linen and silk drapery, and textured upholstery in muted coastal hues temper the architecture. The result is an atmosphere of quiet luxury — luminous, layered and intrinsically connected to its harbour setting.
Mathieson Clontarf House 02
Mathieson Clontarf House 03A
Mathieson Clontarf House 04A
Mathieson Clontarf House 05
Mathieson Clontarf House 06
Mathieson Clontarf House 07
Mathieson Clontarf House 08
Mathieson Clontarf House 09
Mathieson Clontarf House 10
Photography: Romello Pereira