In later years, Fombertaux studied architecture at the Sydney Technical College with Russell Jack and Bruce Rickard and graduated in 1947.
Jean Fombertaux was raised in a pokey and dim Federation era house; his style of architecture was in revolt against such environments and was heavily influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and Alvar Aalto.
Fombertaux's style has been likened to that of Harry Seidler, with whom he collaborated for an entry to the Sydney Opera House competition.
The floors are a series of concrete slabs that spiral upwards, defining the differently programmed areas of the house.
Due to local council regulations, no major modifications may be made to the house which has created difficulties for the family when they wanted to complete the project to its original design.