By Alex Urena Design Studio
On a prime location, sitting on a headland overlooking the water, the brief for this project was to design a house where ocean views would feel as part of the house as every other room.
Despite it being a tight and narrow site, the proposed flow across all three levels, combined with a constant interaction with the surroundings suggest a great perception of open space throughout the house.
With views towards the escarpment on the street side, and the ocean towards the rear, a semi underground garage allowed the house to provide an elevated level for bedrooms and open plan living areas, both cantilevering towards the street and rear respectively, enhancing the “suspended over the ocean’ feel of the house. Underneath the rear cantilevered balcony, a semi-underground terrace and gym, also enjoy ocean views and direct flows towards the yard and pool area.
On the upper level, seamless custom joinery leads towards the master suit, a secret access to it’s ensuite and private terrace. Ocean views can be enjoyed from different angles, including a feature picture window between the ensuite’ s wet areas and master bed.
Overall, recycled hardwood windows & doors, custom joinery, as well as charred timber cladding and concrete details provide a perfect palette & blend between exteriors and interiors, a successful collaboration between Designer, Interior Designer, Builder and engaged Owners.
Alex Urena Design Studio is a Bulli (Illawarra) based Building Design Practice specialized primarily in custom designed and quality residential projects.
Director and lead designer, Alex Urena is originally from Peru, where he worked as an Architect between 2003 & 2010 in a range of residential and commercial projects.
After relocating to Australia in 2010, and achieving Accreditation as a Building Designer in 2013, the business was relaunched as Alex Urena Design Studio in Bulli, Illawarra region.
Our Studio offers personal attention to our client's lifestyle and needs as part of the design process in order to produce a unique custom residence for each family and context. With great attention to detail, our projects will provide a balance between the land and its surrounding with style and functionality.