MATT THITCHENER ARCHITECT

12/03/2026

Six String Tap Room at Erina transforms craft brewing into destination hospitality.
When Six String outgrew their original facility "well and truly before reaching their tenth birthday," they needed architecture supporting three revenue streams: craft production, premium dining, and live music.

The brewhouse acts as showpiece—mezzanine seating overlooks the production floor. Custom black steel ribbon balustrades against raw off-form concrete walls play off stainless brewhouse elements and bright orange epoxy floor.

Upper mezzanine converts from dining to ticketed live music venue—recently hosting a five-week Battle of the Bands. Adaptable space supports multiple revenue streams.

We work across residential and hospitality projects addressing complex regulatory requirements and spatial efficiency. Technical coordination remains similar—structural systems, services integration, environmental control—performance requirements just shift.

Photography: Luke Butterly
Location: Six String Brewing, Erina, Central Coast NSW

10/03/2026

10/30 House addresses a flood-prone and bushfire (BAL-12.5) site at Pearl Beach near the Arboretum, with restricted buildable footprint on steep terrain.

The reduced allowable building footprint was located on the steepest section of the site, which created logistical constraints—material deliveries were sequenced with excavation staging to maintain site access throughout construction.

Double brick lower level addresses flood requirements while providing thermal mass. Suspended concrete elements (kitchen island, entertainment unit, outdoor BBQ bench) positioned 450mm above floor level remain above potential flood levels.

Upper levels: steel and timber frame construction with compressed fiber cement cladding and Colorbond roofing for bushfire compliance and coastal durability.
When your coastal site has overlapping constraints—flood planning, bushfire rating, steep gradient—design and construction methodology need to address all simultaneously.

Photography: Luke Butterly
Builder: Glenn McFarlane
Location: Pearl Beach, Central Coast NSW

05/03/2026

BAL-FZ (Flame Zone) compliance doesn't mean compromising architectural quality.
Bushfire ratings determine material requirements and construction detailing—not design outcomes.

BAL-FZ requires:
Non-combustible construction
Protected openings
Defendable space within Asset Protection Zones

These are material and technical constraints, not aesthetic constraints.
We've designed multiple BAL-FZ projects that have received architecture awards. The bushfire rating drives material selection and junction detailing—how those materials are composed, proportioned, and detailed determines the architectural outcome.
When your coastal site backs onto national park or bushland, bushfire compliance is mandatory. It doesn't dictate what your home looks like.

Photography: Luke Butterly
Location: Beachview House, Macmasters Beach, Central Coast NSW

02/03/2026

Newport Residence addresses a sloping coastal site with high water table and marine exposure on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Screw pile foundations handle challenging ground conditions. Three-storey off-form concrete and masonry construction provides thermal mass and coastal durability.
Operable aluminium louvre screen on the east facade manages solar gain and privacy. Concrete walls act as thermal battery—storing heat/cool and moderating internal temperatures.
Site constraints (water table, gradient, salt exposure) drove material and structural decisions from concept stage.
We work across Central Coast and Northern Beaches addressing the specific technical challenges waterfront construction demands.
Photography: Luke Butterly & Matt Thitchener Architect
Location: Newport, Sydney Northern Beaches NSW

01/12/2025

Details like this define how a home performs over time.
In coastal environments facing extreme conditions, material junctions aren’t just aesthetic choices—they’re long-term performance decisions.
The ribbed concrete provides texture and shadow play. The detailed ‘skirt’ at the base creates a clean transition to the stone paving—eliminating complex cuts around ribs.

We specify for durability and longevity, not just appearance.
When you’re building on an exposed coastal site backing onto national park, every detail matters.

29/08/2024

**A Harmonious Blend of Form and Function**

This kitchen embodies the essence of minimalism, where clean lines and neutral tones are complemented by the uninterrupted horizon. Designed with a focus on simplicity and spatial continuity, the seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces allows natural light and ocean views to become integral components of the living experience.

28/08/2024

✨ Dreaming of open spaces and cozy vibes! This kitchen combines modern minimalism with warm, natural touches—perfect for bringing the outdoors in 🌿🌞. Who else loves the mix of sleek design and earthy accents? 🙌 Let the sunshine and fresh air flow through your home with wide windows and earthy textures. 🌱💛

09/12/2023

30/06/2023

handover day 🎉

27/05/2023

Happy belated world interiors day.
Here’s some I prepared earlier…

19/05/2023

Almost there…