A home with a view

Our clients desired to build an architect-designed home that would include outdoor spaces for children to play safely and entertaining spaces for large family gatherings. Located in City Beach, approximately 450 metres from breaking surf, the design of this custom home responds to a flat site with steep boundary escarpments. The two storey structure leverages the topography to create a home that appears smaller in scale at street level, while allowing for the elevated upper level to enjoy outlooks towards the ocean and Scarborough Beach. The design of the home is further enhanced with architectural site considerations such as cross ventilation from the western deck towards the courtyard, provision of solar roof panels and the framing of views outward towards the coast and surrounding trees.

The spatial layout of the home is defined by a main home flanked by a guest annex to the east. The two wings enclose a northern courtyard where the family’s young children can play safely and under remote supervision. To the west, a leafy, alfresco space defined by a ribbed framework overlooks a new swimming pool. The design process explored the home’s new forms through the pushing and pulling of mass to take outward views from the site. The result is built form that feels immediately connected with its coastal site. From the street, a retreat-style bridge approach flanked by a limestone feature wall leads through to an entry foyer that feels generous and airy, and commands a view outwards toward the ocean. The double entry void is effective in affording the upper level outward views, whilst also drawing northern light deep within the interiors of the home.

A timeless material palette

The feature limestone wall encapsulating the guest wing is complimented by materials used throughout the remainder of the home through a layering of timber, textured acrylic and a light grey metal profile that reflect a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Materials and their placement respond to their surroundings by specification for durability and timelessness. Facades that are west-facing are additionally addressed by large overhangs and deeper eaves to provide protection against sun weathering.Garden beds on the upper floor soften the home’s vertical edges with planting that overhang into the courtyards below. The interior material palettes are presented in a subtle and effective way, based on a neutral palette of white and greyed oak timber tones, accented by sharp black aluminium frames and trims. Stone floor tile gives the home a luxurious feel that is equally matched for its durability and low maintenance. Within the kitchen, a generous island bench, designed for the owner’s cake making and cooking pastime in mind, is cladded in Calacatta Marble to make a luxe statement.