Conceptually, less is always more, so we wanted to pare back the design and allow the natural, tactile finishes to speak for themselves.

This beautiful house was originally designed by SuperSoma architects in early 2000, with aesthetics heavily influenced by a combination of East and West. The core bones of the house remained strong, however, the three bathrooms had been untouched and there were certainly other areas in need of reviving.

The aesthetic intent was to modernise the interiors for a sophisticated Australian coastal lifestyle with organic textures and tactile layers. We also wanted to keep practicality in mind whilst bringing this transitionary house to life.

And so the journey began!

Joining forces with Ellwood Building Co, the exterior is given a facelift with a modern twist: vertical weatherboard cladding adds essential texture to the exterior whilst the sandstone clad fence (installed by the client!) creates impact and offers true street presence.

The sandstone cladding continues inside, framing the freestanding fireplace which was also lovingly installed by the client.

The entrance hall remained as originally intended; inviting pause and contemplation before flowing into the heart of the home where spacious open-plan living awaits.

Modelled on a traditional Japanese genkan, it inspires one to “leave everything behind” before entering the inner sanctuary.

With breathtaking coastal views over coveted Curl Curl Beach, entertaining areas rest on split levels, allowing one to engage with the view in multiple ways.  Light and airy, the open-plan design is layered with natural oak, sandstone clad fireplace and concrete, so only a few clever tweaks were required to take this seriously relaxed rustic beach abode to the next level.

The bathrooms were in desperate need of adequate storage, ventilation, waterproofing and a layout rejig. Our clients were super hands-on so we had lots of fun procuring finishes & decorative elements together. The results were both fit for use yet pleasingly chosen from outside our clients’ typical comfort zones.

The parents’ retreat upstairs was entirely refreshed.  Soft textural curtains and a custom study nook were installed, and the bedhead was repainted in a soft French grey so there was a harmonious flow throughout. The ensuite features an oversized mirror that reflects light and creates a striking depth to the space.

The biggest design challenge was the dark lower-level integrated laundry/bathroom. With a large, underutilised footprint, this once humid laundry needed an overhaul so it could become inviting and serene, rather than hidden away.

New ventilation was ducted outside, laundry hamper drawers were installed and fixtures were neatly repositioned to stand proud beneath the bench which allowed us to integrate a brass hanging rail and open shelves.

We pared back the design and allowed the finishes to speak for themselves: arctic white Corian vanity tops waterfall towards a Japanese soak bath, cascading down the bath facing to finish on one beautiful, curved step.  Natural oak and non-marking PVD brass fixtures complement the calming seafoam-green tiles.

Guidance on art, finishing elements and clever little styling tweaks were implemented to add essential textural layers so that both inside and out were consistently resolved.

On completion, the whole house felt revived and the clients could enjoy it while embracing their completely new lease on life.

Building by Ellwood Building Co
Film by Shot Jerry