Maianbar House is a waterfront family home located in the quiet village of Maianbar on the Port Hacking River, within the bushland setting of the Royal National Park, south of Sydney.

The project responds to a constrained 300m² site subject to Environmental Management zoning controls. A compact two-level layout was developed to balance family functionality with environmental sensitivity, while maximising internal amenity and river outlooks.

Private spaces are located on the lower level and include the main bedroom, secondary bedrooms, and a small library retreat. The building is raised above the natural ground level to minimise site disturbance and improve environmental performance, while allowing the primary living spaces to benefit from elevated views.

The upper level contains an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area that opens onto a cantilevered terrace. From here, 180-degree views extend across the river to the northwest. The elevated living space creates a strong connection to the surrounding landscape while maintaining a restrained and efficient built form.