Residential home in Sutherland Shire surrounded by bushland

Architect Sutherland Shire


Architecture shaped by the Sutherland Shire and its landscape

From its origins as the home of the Dharawal people over 8500 years ago, to its popularity as a beachside escape, to eventually growing into one of Sydney's largest and most desirable council areas, the Sutherland Shire has seen a lot of change over the years. As the birthplace of Ironbark Architecture's principal architect, the Sutherland Shire is a place we hold close to our hearts.

We are locals. Tied to the local area through our work, and immersed in the community through enduring relationships. Our architecture and design projects span the breadth of Sydney, but it’s here, in the Sutherland Shire where Ironbark Architecture’s first office was established.

Indoor outdoor living space in Sutherland Shire residence

We’ve seen the evolution of the Sutherland Shire first-hand. From the rapid development of urban areas to the preservation of the Shire’s natural charm and community.

Our time here has allowed us a hand in this growth and this preservation. We are the architects of one of Cronulla's most significant heritage-listed homes Judge's House, as well as of the oldest home in the Sutherland Shire Gunyah. We've also done our bit to preserve one of the most distinctive traits of the Sutherland Shire - it's tree canopy - showing that development doesn't need to be at odds with the environment, that it's possible for both to work in harmony such as at our Alcheringa project; where we designed a new 5 bedroom home on a bushland block without needing to remove a single tree from the property.

As a Sutherland Shire architect, deep-rooted local ties mean that we understand the intricacies and nuances of each suburb. We embrace modernity and sustainability while preserving the local heritage and showcasing the natural landscape.

Our Work in Sutherland Shire

We are designers, we are creators, we are custodians.

Our work may be diverse, but our ethos and approach remain steadfast.

Alcheringa

A thoughtfully crafted bushland home.

New Home Projects 

New home projects that embrace the natural surroundings and leverage the local landscape for the better. Our new home projects focus on understanding each site’s unique spacing and orientation, and incorporating environmental features that maximise the Shire’s natural charm.

See all new home projects

House Full of Light

A home shaped by passive design

Tin Shed House

A duplex with a difference

Ailbe

A refined contemporary home

Tiny Haus

Tiny home new build with a smaller footprint than the swimming pool

Renovation Projects 

Renovation and redesign projects that enhance form and function in existing properties. Our Sutherland Shire architect and design team work to address the shortcomings of the current design, improve flow, and make the most of missed opportunities. As we renovate, we layer modernity and functionality without disrupting the original structure.

Explore all renovation projects

Nelly

A light-filled renovation bridging old and new

Hill House

A home shaped by context, light and landscape

Treetop House

Architecture in the canopy

Relic House

From existing building to considered living space

Bounty House

Transforming a classic home into open-plan modern living

Heritage Architecture

 Heritage architecture renovation and restoration in the Sutherland Shire. With each heritage architecture project we aim to preserve the natural charm and integrity of the property while infusing natural elements that enhance sustainability and day-to-day function.

Discover all heritage projects

Pettit+Sevitt MKii

Midcentury renovation

Judges House 1930

Heritage, light and considered design

Our ethos

  • Reducing our environmental impact doesn’t mean sacrificing on comfort or livability. Through smart design practices, our Sutherland Shire architect aims to transform each space – big or small – into an expansive experience.

  • Drawing on our local connection, our Shire architecture and design team looks to create spaces that are in harmony with their environment. Going beyond sustainability, connection with place establishes a clear and consistent narrative with the spaces that we occupy so that we come to love and care for them in turn.

  • We are both detail and technically-oriented in our approach to design and function. From the initial design and concept phase, right through to the construction stage, we ask the right questions so that we’re always on the front foot.

Through each project and each space, our work is connected by a consistent set of ethos that can be distilled down into three guiding principles:

Minimal bathroom design in Sutherland Shire home

Built on trust

“Chris is very detailed and is willing to think of alternative ways to make things work. We really wanted a house that minimised the impact on the environment via a considered design. Chris was extremely supportive of working with us on this.”

- PENNY

We’ve also been featured in:

Outdoor deck in bushland home in Sutherland Shire

Planning a project in Sutherland Shire?

Tell us about it or give Chris a call on 0416 130 246

Areas we service in the Sutherland Shire:

  • Bonnet Bay

  • Bundeena

  • Burraneer

  • Caringbah

  • Como

  • Cronulla

  • Grays Point

  • Gymea Bay

  • Jannali

  • Kangaroo Point

  • Kareela

  • Kirrawee

  • Kurnell

  • Lilli Pilli

  • Loftus

  • Maianbar

  • Menai

  • Miranda

  • Oyster Bay

  • Sutherland

  • Sylvania Waters

  • Woolooware

  • Yowie Bay