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Farm house beside raised dam

BIRDSONG PARK

Birdsong Park was a house I had daydreamed about designing since I was a teenager.  My dream came true in 2003 when we built our "tin shed" on the Hawkesbury River close to Sydney. We wanted a house that allowed us to have parties for up to 60 to 70 people and yet have cozy, intimate spaces for just us and our family.

The soaring ceilings allowed us to hang large artworks - even street banners - and sculptures.  Even the big grape picker's baskets turned upside down looked fabulous as lamps.  The huge arched window overlooking the dam allowed a constant kaleidoscope of light to connect us with the beautiful surrounding bush.

The kitchen was my "dream kitchen" - benches big enough to "plate up" for 60 people, yet a perfect place for friends to congregate.  Upstairs in the gallery we had just two bedrooms with a separate guest cottage in the paddock.

The "stolen" heat from the big open fireplace warmed the upstairs rooms in winter, whilst strategically placed windows and ceiling fans allowed the summer heat to escape. 

Environmentally, the house worked really well with the polished concrete slab retaining the warmth in winter and staying cool in summer.

It was a wonderful period in our lives filled with music and laughter - and good food!

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