Project Type: Interior Design

McKenzies Beach House

Post author By Ellie Trobe
Post date 24th September 2020

MCKENZIES BEACH HOUSE

This project followed along from a previous project in Canberra with the same design literate adventurous clients. The site is located south of Malua Bay NSW with views over the spectacular surf Beach.

The beach house project involved the resolution of a many competing imperatives including significant bushfire issues, scenic coastal dictates, flora and fauna sensitivity, effluent disposal and multi-jurisdictional planning restraints.

These were overcome retaining the core aspects of the design which related to responding to the spectacular views and optimising solar orientation. .

The form of a house can be read as a series of simple pavilions formed part of horizontal planes cantilevered over a narrow base. The intention was to express a feeling as if the dwelling were floating in the site and treading lightly.

The spectacular interiors were borne out of a collaboration and combination of the clients significant input, an overlay of innovative input from Rob Foster of Fink Design and TT’s Interior designer Deb Cook

O’Connor House

Post author By Ellie Trobe
Post date 24th September 2020

O'CONNOR HOUSE

Ageing in place was at the core of the client’s brief for this house which sits on a 760m2 block with a North East facing front. This agenda dictated that the main bedroom and living areas be located on one level. The two guest bedrooms are upstairs with individual ensuites attached.

The general configuration of the plan provides for two parallel North facing pavilions. Sandwiched between is a private open space for outdoor living and alfresco kitchen. A small plunge pool in the courtyard adds to the mix in both functional and aesthetic senses.

One of the main features of this new dwelling built in the Canberra suburb of O’Connor is a large two-storey rammed earth wall running down the long axis of the house. Rammed earth walls have high thermal mass which means that they have the ability to store any free energy donated by the sun through North facing windows. In addition to the heat storage trick, rammed earth has great sound insulation, fire resistance, durability, moisture resistance, breathability and low toxicity…and frankly it looks stunning. The softness of the natural material and the clean lines of the modern aesthetic come together in this house to give a very individual and site specific response. The rammed earth walls have been moulded to frame an important collection of paintings and works of art.

The kitchen is relatively large; a chef’s kitchen if you like, with dual ovens, a generous island and butler’s pantry. The house contains a North facing family meals kitchen area, a formal lounge dining as an evening space and a significant wine cellar basement doubling up as a movie theatre tucked in below.

Pyang Beach House

Post author By Ellie Trobe
Post date 24th September 2020

Pyang Coast House -view from street evening

PYANG BEACH HOUSE

This edgy cliff top home on the NSW South Coast arose from the synergy of four families who set themselves a vision of creating a home away from home.

Strong lines dominate the exterior and make a bold statement from the street, while accents of timber add warmth to the design. Many commercial and recycled materials were used to build the homes, deviating from the palette of materials usually used in coastal homes.

One of the features of the project is its curved roof, sweeping upward from one side and over the adjoining residence. The volumes created by the roof along with the added height and expansive windows provide a stunning sense of space and light for the owners of these homes.

The relationship to the view is a defining aspect of the living spaces perched over the Pacific Ocean. The inclusion of large floor-to-ceiling windows capitalises on an active ocean; dolphins, whales and crashing surf are all players on the stage. The dramatic gazing also enables the home to be flooded with natural light and be warmed by the winter sun.

The themes of the interior complement the exterior well, with clean lines and the very limited use of strong colour. Rich recycled Red Gum flooring contrasts with the limited palette of colour elsewhere. The simple and sculptural kitchen cabinetry makes a lively counterpoint and focus to the minimalist expression of the rest of the interior.

A centrally located in-wall fireplace is emphasised by a subtle curve in the wall. The crisp rectangular forms of the ‘in-wall’ up lights spaced regularly throughout the main living and circulation spaces provide drama and individuality to the design.

The simple plan form caters equally well for an intimate weekend for a couple or for a family gathering.

This duplex has been recognised for its style and functionality by the HIA and MBA in winning the ‘Coastal Home of the Year’ and ‘Dual Occupancy of the Year’.