Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers, Modern residence in Dover Heights, Australia
Holman House is a modern residence built on a cliff edge 70 meters above the Pacific Ocean, distinguished by curved forms and cantilevered living spaces that extend outward. The structure rests on four angled supports, with large glass sections framing ocean and sky views throughout the approximately 325-square-meter interior.
The architectural firm Durbach Block Jaggers completed this residence in 2004, earning the Wilkinson Award the following year for outstanding design. This recognition highlighted an innovative approach to building on challenging terrain that challenged conventional construction methods.
The design references organic forms found in modern art, opening interior spaces to natural light and ocean vistas in ways that feel fluid and interconnected. The curved walls and flowing transitions shape how residents experience moving through the rooms and encountering the landscape.
The cliff-edge location demands care when moving around the property, especially during windy conditions or salt spray from the ocean. Access and viewing may be limited, so checking availability in advance is recommended.
The masonry at the base incorporates natural stone that connects visually with the cliff rock, making the house feel as though it grows from the landscape rather than simply perching on it. This material choice creates a subtle dialogue between the built structure and its geological surroundings.
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