16 Cornwall Avenue, Turramurra, NSW 2074

Ellen House, designed in 1962 by Peter Ellen and his wife Ngaire, is considered Australia's first lift-slab house, located in the bushland of Turramurra. Peter, a New Zealand-born structural engineer, was known for pushing the boundaries of concrete construction, while Ngaire brought her family-focused design sensibility to the project. Together, they created a U-shaped modernist home around a central courtyard, blending their love of innovation and the natural environment.

This striking residence is a unique take on mid-century architecture, with a flexible and highly livable floor plan. From the street, its long, low profile hints at its character, while the clever use of concrete blocks creates shifting shadows throughout the day. The house takes full advantage of its northerly aspect, offering expansive views of the surrounding bushland through floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

The home’s expansive L-shaped open-plan living, dining, family, and kitchen area flows seamlessly onto a large balcony, with wide eaves looking out to the bush. The more private zones, including four bedrooms, are centered around a Japanese-inspired courtyard. The high-quality craftsmanship, such as cork flooring and built-in cabinetry, remains in excellent condition. Downstairs, a large office or rumpus room, accessible from inside and outside, could be reimagined as a self-contained studio.

Situated within walking distance of Turramurra shops and the station, and close to quality schools and national parks, this fine example of mid-century modernism provides a lifestyle and aesthetic that is both flexible and enduring.

Full design story and image folio at modernhouse.co

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OPPORTUNITY:

To own a very special modernist house, one that has never been published

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SPECIFICATION:

- 4 Bedroom, 3 Bath, 2 Car 
- Internal living area (approx.) 188 sq m (2,024 sq ft)  
- Land area (approx.) 923.2 sq m (9,937sq ft)

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PROJECT TEAM:

Ellen House
Designed: 1962
Designers: Ngaire & Peter Ellen
Civil Structural Engineer: Peter Ellen
Landscaping: Ngaire Ellen
Construction Manager: Peter Ellen
Photographer: © Aimee Crouch

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Full design story and image folio at modernhouse.co
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VIEW BY APPOINTMENT:
MODERN HOUSE ESTATE AGENTS 1300 814 768
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Ellen House presented by Modern House: the specialist estate agency for architect-designed residences.
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