Dezeen Magazine

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers

A Picasso painting inspired this cliff-top house near Sydney by architects Durbach Block Jaggers.

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers

Above photo is by Brett Boardman

The curved forms of the kitchen and living room, which project over the sea supported by four angled stilts, are derived from the torso of Picasso's The Bather.

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers

Above photo is by Anthony Browell

The two-storey Holman House was completed atop the 70 metre-high cliff at Dover Heights back in 2004.

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers

Above photo is by Brett Boardman

Stone walls surround bedrooms on the ground floor, which nestle against the rock face.

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers

Above photo is by Brett Boardman

Terraces surrounding the house at different levels provide two patios, a top floor garden and a lower level swimming pool.

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers

This project is the third Australian house published on Dezeen in the last week, following one residence with an oversailing glass roof and another that incorporates cantilevering concrete slabs - see all our stories about projects in Australia here.

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers

Photography is by Peter Bennetts, apart from where otherwise stated.

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers

Here's some more information from the architects:


Holman House
Dover Heights, Sydney

Sited on the edge of a 70-metre high cliff, the plan of Holman House refers to Picasso’s painting The Bather.

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers

It contains a complex series of fluid living spaces set within a meandering perimeter that arcs, folds and stretches in response to sun, landscape and views.

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers

Above photo is by Reiner Blunck

Living and dining areas cantilever out over the ocean, allowing dramatic views up and down the coast.

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers

Above photo is by Reiner Blunck

The lower floor forms a base that is built from rough stone walls like an extension of the cliff below.

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers

These walls continue along the cliff edge to form a series of eccentric terraced gardens and a vase-shaped rock pool.

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers

Above photo is by Brett Boardman

Architects: Durbach Block Architects

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers

Above photo is by Brett Boardman

Project team: Neil Durbach, Camilla Block, David Jaggers, Lisa Le Van, Joseph Grech, Adrian Gessner

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers

Completion: February 2004

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers

Click above for larger image

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers

Click above for larger image

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers

Click above for larger image

Holman House by Durbach Block Jaggers