Slater Architects

02/06/2026

Today marks 46 years of Slater Architects.

Founded on June 3, 1980 by Cathy Slater from her parents’ home in Terrigal, the practice has grown from humble beginnings into a long-standing part of the Central Coast community.

Over the past 46 years, Cathy has designed hundreds of homes across the Coast, helping families create places that feel thoughtful, timeless and connected to the way they live.

We’re incredibly grateful to our clients, consultants, builders and community who have supported us throughout the journey — and we look forward to continuing it for many years to come.

16/05/2026

This Erina Valley renovation reimagined the existing home through light-filled spaces, natural materials and a stronger connection to the surrounding landscape. The result is a timeless home that feels both contemporary and deeply grounded in its setting.

See the before and after photos below.

Project: Erina Valley House
Architecture: Slater Architects

08/05/2026

Before starting a new home, renovation, or extension, it’s important to understand the approval pathway your project will require.

On the Central Coast, this generally means either a CDC (Complying Development Certificate) or DA (Development Application).

Each pathway comes with different timelines, levels of flexibility, and planning requirements — and the right approach often depends on the site itself.

We’ve broken down the differences in our latest blog article to help homeowners better understand the process before beginning design.

Our latest article explains:
— The difference between CDC and DA approvals
— Which pathway is generally faster
— The limitations and flexibility of each process
— Why site constraints can influence approval options
— How early architectural advice can save time and cost later

Read more here: https://www.slaterarchitects.com.au/cdc-vs-da-approval/

Not sure whether to choose CDC or DA approval? A clear, local guide for Central Coast homeowners—timelines, differences, and what to expect.

04/05/2026

Taking a moment to celebrate the staircase of the Shark House.

With a compact site and limited footprint, the design response focused on building vertically — resulting in a four-storey home connected by a central staircase that acts as the spine of the project.

Beginning at ground level with a shark pond and floating stepping stones, and extending up to a glass atrium roof, the stair creates a continuous connection between all levels while drawing natural light deep into the home.

Frameless glass balustrades emphasise the lightness of the floating treads, particularly when illuminated, while off-form concrete walls provide a clean and minimal backdrop with a sense of warmth and texture.

The stair treads also incorporate the same floor tile used throughout the home, allowing the material palette to transition seamlessly between levels and reinforcing a strong sense of cohesion across the interior.

The result is a staircase that is both highly functional and a defining architectural feature — shaping how the home is experienced from top to bottom.

Project: Shark House
Architecture: Slater Architects
Builder: versatilehomes
Photography: Katie Wade Studio

03/05/2026

Not every block of land is a flat, easy canvas. Some of the most spectacular locations are also the most complex. Steep inclines, narrow frontages, and exposed beachfronts can seem daunting—but architecturally, these constraints are often the catalyst for the most rewarding homes.

At Slater Architects, our design philosophy is simple: we design with the landscape, rather than fighting against it.

When a home is tailored specifically to the unique topography and climate of a challenging site, it allows us to carefully optimize:
• Orientation: Maximizing passive solar gain
• Ventilation: Capturing breezes for natural cooling.
• Views: Curating views while protecting your privacy from neighbours.
• Footprint: Layering the home into a slope to create distinct, purposeful zones.

Guided by Cathy Slater’s focus on biophilic design, our goal is to anchor every home to its environment. By utilizing natural materials, strategic glazing, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, the architecture becomes connected to the surrounding landscape—making even compact sites feel expansive.

Projects like Shark House, Scenic House, and Wamberal Beachfront House are prime examples of this. In each case, what initially appeared as difficult terrain became the defining feature of a beautiful, highly functional family home.

If you are considering a complex site and feel unsure of its viability, know that the right design perspective can turn a difficult block into a remarkable opportunity. Every site has a solution. Contact us to arrange an obligation free conversation to discuss your site’s potential.

24/04/2026

Meet the woman behind the vision.

Cathy Slater founded our practice in 1980, starting from her parents’ home in Terrigal, with a passion for creating homes that feel deeply connected to their surroundings. More than 45 years later, that philosophy continues to shape every project we design.

A strong advocate for biophilic design, Cathy believes our homes should strengthen our connection to nature and support everyday wellbeing. Through the use of natural materials, abundant light, cross ventilation, and spaces that blur the line between indoors and out, her designs are created to feel calm, grounded and timeless.

From building her first home at just 19 to later becoming a registered architect in her 40s, Cathy’s journey has been driven by creativity, determination and a lifelong love of design.

Today, she remains deeply involved in the creative process — still sketching ideas by hand, exploring new design possibilities, and mentoring the next generation of architects within our studio.

Her vision continues to shape the way we live, connect and experience home.

09/04/2026

We’ve seen a growing number of clients seeking to “age in place” — whether that means thoughtfully renovating their existing family home or designing a new home that will support them for years to come, allowing them to stay in a place they know and love as their needs evolve over time.

Here are some of the considerations we make when designing a home for the occupants to age in place:
- Step-free entries, wider doorways, and generous circulation space to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers
- Flexible, future-proofed layouts, including provision for lift access where required
- Ground floor living options, such as master suites and key daily functions on one level
- Kitchens designed for ease of use, accessibility, and long-term functionality
- Bathrooms with walk-in showers, slip-resistant finishes, and supportive detailing
- Integration of biophilic design principles, including abundant natural light and strong connections to the surrounding landscape to promote wellbeing
- Thoughtful lighting and smart technology to enhance safety, comfort, and independence

When thoughtfully considered from the outset — or carefully integrated through renovation — these features feel seamless, enhancing how your home functions today while quietly preparing for tomorrow.

Future-proofing isn’t just about starting again. It’s about making intentional design decisions that allow you to live well in your home for longer.



Explore our approach to aging-in-place design:

Discover the best aging in place house designs that prioritize comfort, safety, and accessibility. Learn how to create a home that supports your changing needs.

30/03/2026

Designing a home on the South Coast is about more than simply opening to the view — it’s about understanding how to live with the climate, the light and the landscape.

Our latest project in Mollymook, currently under construction, brings together a series of carefully considered decisions. From its north-east orientation capturing soft morning light and sea breezes, to its layered planning that balances openness with privacy, every element has been resolved to suit its coastal setting.

The home is designed as a sequence of spaces — open, sheltered, connected — with indoor and outdoor living working seamlessly together. Durable, natural materials such as stone and timber ensure the home not only belongs to its environment but will continue to perform beautifully over time.

Currently under construction with Lime Building Group

Photos created with AI.

Design your dream South Coast home with Slater Architects. Experts in bespoke coastal architecture, beachfront homes, renovations and luxury residences across NSW.

11/03/2026

Cremorne House was once a home that simply didn’t work — small living spaces, a narrow balcony and views that weren’t being captured.

Working closely with our clients, the design focused on transforming a home that felt cramped and poorly arranged into a light-filled space that captures the spectacular views over Middle Harbour.

By relocating the living areas to the upper level, the home now opens to natural light and sweeping harbour views. At the same time, the interiors were designed to reflect the client’s eclectic style — incorporating rich colours, bold wallpaper, dramatic stone surfaces and warm timber joinery.

Spaces such as the vibrant home office, statement powder room and custom joinery for the client’s vinyl record player bring a strong sense of individuality to the home.

The result is a home that feels layered, expressive and uniquely theirs.

Architecture: Slater Architects
Builder: Telgrit
Photography: Paramount Studios

26/02/2026

Taking a moment for this glass-bottom rooftop pool — an architectural feature of the Shark House that transforms both roofscape and interior.

Composed of geometric glass panels, the pool references the angular stepping stones at the entry, which float across the shark pond below. This repetition of geometry creates a cohesive design language from arrival through to rooftop.

Beyond its visual impact, the glass base performs a powerful spatial role. Natural light filters through the water above, filling the living spaces below with shifting reflections and layered daylight.

The result is a dynamic interplay of light, structure and movement.
More than a pool — it’s a skylight, a sculptural element, and an unforgettable architectural moment.