Church Point by Studio Pulp is designed for a couple who love entertaining and the finer things in life.

Originally built in the 1960s as an apartment block, and altered again in the 1990s, the existing house carried a mix of dated styles and awkward details (corbels, faceted glass panels, and red granite finishes) and the floor plan did little to engage with the waterfront setting on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Studio Pulp were brought on to overcome these issues, in favour of multiple generous spaces to entertain across the steep site.

‘Additionally, years of exposure and ageing construction had led to dampness, water ingress, and rusting exterior elements, making the renovation essential not only for comfort and style but also for the home’s long-term integrity,’ says Ben Selke,  architect and director of Studio Pulp.

The house was essentially gutted in the renovation, retaining only portions of the external wall framework, and introducing all new internal finishes and joinery.

Ben was inspired by the site’s natural curves — both the sweeping lines of water and the rolling bushland beyond —  which are translated into the gentle arcs of the kitchen island, built-in seating, and custom joinery.

‘These curved gestures not only improved flow and functionality within the home’s compact footprint but also echoed the rhythm and movement of the landscape,’ he says.

The clients’ collection of 1970s furniture served as another influence, encouraging Studio Pulp to layer the interiors with warmth, history, and individuality.

‘Our vision was to shape a home that feels warm and lived-in, yet carries a timeless elegance and quiet sophistication, says Ben. ‘We leaned into a textural, layered aesthetic, rather than a colder and more pared-back contemporary approach.

Embracing the verticality of the site, the home now unfolds across four levels, evoking the feeling of carving into the earth itself.

‘The original plan felt cramped and maze-like, so walls were repositioned to create a more open, flowing design that connects the interior to the home’s stunning natural surroundings, says Ben.

Each storey is visually reflective of its purpose, while drawing on the dusty greys, burnt terracottas, mossy greens, and deep bronzes of the surrounding natural setting, and framing the view of Pittwater beyond.

Bedrooms (all contained to the first floor) are softened with calming tones; the bathrooms highlight tactile stone and moody finishes to create a spa-like intimacy; and the general living spaces are balanced warmth and openness through timber flooring, tiled fireplaces, and curved joinery.

On the bottom floor, a once disconnected rumpus room and storage area with low ceilings has been reimagined into a spacious, light-filled living zone containing a lift, secondary kitchen, and bar.

‘By excavating further into the ground and relocating key services, this area now features soaring six-metre ceilings, expansive glazing that opens to the rear courtyard and pool, and exposed structural elements that celebrate the home’s design integrity,’ says Ben.

When hosting guests, the owners now have the option of entertaining on the mezzanine next to the wine room, at one of two kitchens, in the living area, around the outdoor terrace and pool, or at the bar.

When it’s just them, each level maintains an intimate cosiness instilled through the rich and material palette, which darkens as one descends through the home.