Babylon

Avalon, NSW

Now called Babylon is a residential property built over four levels on a sheltered promontory west of Avalon Beach. Constructed over a 5-year period, commencing in 1953, the unconventional stone and glass structure is locally referred to as ‘The Castle’. The charismatic and unconventional design is rooted, barring occasional deviations, in an exaggerated interpretation of the modernist period.

Most notable are the living areas nestled beneath the 320 sqm kidney-shaped roof. No right-angles. All with over 4-metre-high ceilings, expansive views, and simple wood and stone materiality,

Mysterious external and internal corridors and passageways circuitously interconnect the living areas. And then there is the unexpected – an expansive 80m² free-span dining room flowing onto an enormous, seemingly isolated, patio with unimpaired Pacific Ocean and Pittwater estuary views.

Project Lead: Ryan Western

Project Architect: Tom Monahan

Builder: David Campbell

Engineer: Partridge PTS