Project

Lee House

- Sydney, Australia

A contemporary reinterpretation of a 1850s fisherman's cottage, blending traditional and modern forms.

Modern two-story house with concrete exterior, balcony, and large windows, surrounded by plants.

A modern two-story house with a concrete exterior, featuring a balcony with metal railings and large wooden-framed windows. The surrounding area is landscaped with various plants and trees.

Story

Lee House

A contemporary reinterpretation of a 1850s fisherman's cottage Lee House, designed by Candalepas Associates, is a thoughtful reimagining of the traditional fisherman's weatherboard cottage from the 1850s, located in the historically rich area of Watsons Bay. The project transforms a derelict structure into a modern home that exudes permanence and tranquility. Despite its modest size, the house efficiently meets the needs of its inhabitants, offering a serene and ordered living environment. The design is anchored by a central off-form concrete barrier, which organizes the interior spaces. From the street, the house appears to be a restoration of an original building, maintaining a traditional facade. However, as one moves along the sides and to the rear, the architecture evolves into a contemporary expression, utilizing modern materials and forms. The interior spaces are meticulously arranged, leading to an external landscaped patio that enhances the connection between the indoors and outdoors. The use of concrete, timber, and steel defines the architectural language, creating a legacy for future generations.

Design Highlights

Central off-form concrete barrier organizing interior spaces Traditional facade evolving into contemporary forms Use of concrete, timber, and steel Landscaped patio enhancing indoor-outdoor connection

Key Facts

Key Aspect Detail
Architect Candalepas Associates
Location Watsons Bay, Sydney, Australia
Original Structure 1850s fisherman's cottage
Materials Concrete, timber, steel

Technical summary

Updated 4/14/2026

Finishes

  • Wall Finish: Concrete walls with visible bolt patterns and white brick walls.
  • Ceiling Finish: Exposed wooden beams and wooden ceilings.

Materials

  • Concrete — Walls, structural elements, and central barrier.
  • Wood — Ceilings, floors, and furniture.
  • Metal — Railings and structural elements.

Construction / Systems

  • Facade System: Traditional street-facing facade evolving into contemporary materials and forms at the rear.
  • Structural System: Central off-form concrete barrier as a key structural element.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: calm, minimalist
  • Lighting: Natural lighting with large windows and skylights.

Images

Modern two-story house with concrete exterior, balcony, and large windows, surrounded by plants.
Modern house exterior with concrete and wood, featuring a balcony and staircase.
Contemporary house exterior with concrete, timber, and steel, featuring large windows and a staircase.
Modern building exterior with concrete walls, wooden-framed window, metal staircase, and garden.
White house with corrugated metal roof, modern fence, and greenery.
Concrete wall with bolt patterns, wooden door, and white brick wall in a modern interior.
Interior of a modern home with wooden floors, exposed beams, concrete wall, and a kitchen area.
Interior of a modern home with wooden ceiling, skylight, concrete walls, and sheer curtains.
Room with wooden ceiling, skylights, large window with curtains, concrete wall, and black stove.
Interior with curved concrete walls and wooden ceiling.
Minimalist interior with light wood paneling, built-in bench, and recessed lighting.
Interior view showing a concrete column and wooden paneling in a minimalist room.
Interior hallway with wooden ceiling and floor, concrete wall, and a curved staircase.
A hallway with a concrete wall, wooden door, and a curved metal railing.
Interior of a modern room with concrete wall, wooden desk, and large window.
Interior view showing wooden door frames, white brick wall, and a bedroom with a bed and wooden furniture.
Interior view showing a modern staircase with concrete walls and wooden handrails.
Modern interior hallway with a curved concrete wall and a staircase with wooden steps.
Interior view of a hallway with a wooden door, a window, and concrete steps.
Interior view showing a staircase with concrete walls and a wooden-framed glass door.
Interior space with a built-in bench, concrete wall, wooden ceiling and floor, and a balcony with metal railings and greenery.
Modern architectural detail with concrete walls and columns, wooden beams, and greenery in the background.

Similar projects

More by tags ->

Projects by the architect

View Candalepas Associates ->
No other projects found for this architect yet.