On the ridge above Little Reef on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, this house was a major renovation of an existing brick bungalow.  Taking advantage of the spectacular site which has views to the north up to the Central Coast and south over Bungan Beach, the house has living areas that open fully on both sides for seamless integration with the outside spaces.  The response to the exposed site allows the residents to open the building in a number of ways in order to shelter from the prevailing winds and at different times of the day.  With separate studio and recreational spaces that terrace down the hill,  the timber, copper, concrete and sandstone clad house will soften and weather over time, assisted by the  intertwined and cascading landscaping.   Solar passive design, LED lighting, natural ventilation, a solar powered hydronic heating system and photovoltaic solar panels provide an extremely energy efficient and sustainable building.  The character is carefully constructed to be relaxed, warm and inviting, precisely detailed yet robust enough to cope with the demands of a young family.  Every corner of the site is considered, utilised and integrated with the fabric and spaces of the building.