The Eastern Suburbs is one of Sydney’s most prestigious and sought-after locations, known for its stunning coastal views, vibrant urban centres, and affluent residential neighbourhoods. Stretching from Watsons Bay in the north, to La Perouse in the south, the area includes iconic suburbs such as Bondi, Bronte, Coogee, Vaucluse, Rose Bay, Bellevue Hill and Double Bay. The region is characterised by a mix of harbourside and beachfront living, offering both luxury and heritage homes, alongside contemporary architectural developments. With a rich cultural scene, high-end shopping, and some of Sydney’s most beautiful parks and beaches, the Eastern Suburbs remains a prime location for sophisticated, high-quality residential design.
The topography of the Eastern Suburbs is both dramatic and diverse, creating unique opportunities and challenges for architecture. Many homes are perched on cliffs, nestled into steep hillsides, or positioned along harbour or coast, requiring careful planning to maximise views while ensuring structural stability. In areas like Bellevue Hill and Vaucluse, elevated vantage points provide sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, demanding designs that open towards the water whilst maintaining privacy. Our Cascade House in Bellevue Hill is an exemplar of this, with the new home negotiating a 20m fall from back to front, and accommodation spread over six levels, all but one enjoying elevated harbour views. Away from the protection of the harbour, coastal suburbs like Bondi and Clovelly experience strong ocean winds and salt exposure, necessitating durable materials and weather-resistant finishes. Architects must also consider heritage conservation requirements in older suburbs where historical homes contribute to the area's character.
The residential styles of the Eastern Suburbs are incredibly diverse, reflecting Sydney’s development from colonial times through to the modern day. Many grand mansions and heritage-listed properties built in the 19th and early 20th centuries offer fine examples of Victorian, Federation, and Edwardian styles. Bellevue Hill, for example, is home to several grand estates from the early 1900s, showcasing intricate detailing and opulent interiors. Terraces in areas like Paddington and Woollahra feature ornate facades, decorative ironwork, and high ceilings, many having been carefully restored or updated to suit modern living, whilst preserving their historical charm.
Alongside heritage homes, the Eastern Suburbs offers many examples of good contemporary architecture, particularly in high-end locations such as Bellevue Hill, Vaucluse, and Tamarama. These homes are often characterised by sleek lines, expansive glazing, and open-plan layouts that embrace panoramic views. Materials such as concrete, steel, timber, and natural stone are commonly used to create a sophisticated, yet understated aesthetic. This extends to coastal modernism found in suburbs like Coogee and Bronte, where homes blend contemporary aesthetics with relaxed, beachside living. Light-filled interiors, indoor-outdoor living, and natural finishes create a sense of connection to the surrounding environment.
Luxury waterfront homes in the Eastern Suburbs are some of Sydney’s most exclusive properties, often featuring infinity pools, private beach access, and state-of-the-art interiors. In areas like Watsons Bay and Dover Heights, homes prioritise privacy and exclusivity, often hidden behind lush landscaping or gated entrances to the street, yet capturing dramatic, private water views for residents.
At the southern tip of the Eastern Suburbs, La Perouse requires new development to be sensitive to its Indigenous heritage, national parks, and natural landscapes, which all play a role in shaping the built environment.
Our Award-winning submission for the Missing Middle Design Competition, run by NSW Planning & Housing and the Government Architect of NSW (GA_NSW), carefully located five new terraced dwellings on a complex, sloping site in La Perouse. Offering a high-quality, innovative approach for medium-density housing, the design sensitively responds to the unique context. Presenting as modest, single-storey homes to the street, the design then opens up to, and engages with dramatic vistas west to Botany Bay. Fully retractable glazing, seamless interior-to-exterior transitions, and generous outdoor terraces allow residents to engage with place and enjoy Sydney’s temperate climate year-round.
Whether designing a high-end home on a challenging, yet breathtaking site, or more modest terraced houses in an area of natural beauty, architecture in the Eastern Suburbs remains a fusion of tradition, innovation, and respect for the land.
If you’d like to discuss a potential project in the Eastern Suburbs, please reach out to us at mail@phplusarchitects.com.au we’d love to chat.
