Reflections Drive
The brief for this house was to achieve a functional three bedroom home with study, large rumpus and living rooms for a growing family.
Unlike many new homes in the estate, a site responsive concept was employed. The site is wide and long, but instead of positioning the house across the front of the site and creating a typical backyard, the layout was rotated to the left of the site, running down the long axis to achieve maximum exposure to Northern light, utilise the cool north-east winds and make use of the picturesque rural view.
The key feature in the design is a tiled masonry wall, which acts as a heat base to exploit masonries natural thermal mass qualities in controlling the climate of the internal rooms and producing eco-friendly, cost-effective positive living spaces.
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Garuwa Street
The clients’ brief was for a luxurious, contemporary, home that maximised the picturesque views and complemented the serene and relaxed location of Fingal Bay; a warm oasis to shape an idyllic coastal lifestyle for the couple, so they could leave the fast pace of the city behind them.
The split-level design is responsive to the sloping site; with the house spread over 5 levels as it rises from street level towards the rear of the block.
The entry foyer is visually impressive with the spotted gum stairs drawing you to the main living area. On your left, as you enter, is a beautiful rock garden/water feature framed through a large picture plate glass window.
The first floor layout is orientated to the East/ South East to take advantage of the picturesque views over Fingal Beach, Fingal Island and out to sea. It is an open plan layout with kitchen, dining area and formal lounge. Glass has been extensively used with sliding doors, panels and louvre windows taking up the whole Eastern wall. A feature of the first floor level is the beautiful spotted gum timber floor which is laid on a 45 degree angle so as to run parallel to the big picture window on the South East corner.
The Master Bedroom suite consists of a large bedroom, equally large walk-in-wardrobe and an impressive ensuite bathroom. A huge window gives extensive views over Fingal Beach and the village.
An “L” shaped hallway gives access to all rooms on this level and is lit by natural light through 4 large clerestory louvre windows.
For landscaping the site a series of steps and slightly sloping paths give relatively easy access from the front at street level to the highest point in the North Western corner of the block. At the high point of the block a small deck has been constructed which gives magnificent panoramic views over the whole Fingal Bay area and the Pacific Ocean. A great spot to sit, enjoy a quiet drink and absorb the ambiance of the scenery.
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The brief required a design which compliments the picturesque waterfront location of the site and creates an idyllic family oasis, relaxed environment with views and outdoor lifestyle as a main focus.
With five bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a North-East facing courtyard and entertaining outdoor area with fully functional outdoor kitchen this is a well designed large family home retreat which can be easily adapted to accommodate an extended family at holiday time.
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Our clients purchased an old 2 storey cottage, fronting a west facing sandy waterfront reserve. The design brief was to transform the dwelling into a modern, sophisticated, admirable holiday house for a young professional couple. The original layout needed to be reversed to achieve to desired open-plan layout; with all living areas to now be located on the ground floor connecting to a large timbered deck to the boundary.
The luxurious master suite with ensuite and walk-in robe, is located on the upper floor with 3 other bedrooms and bathroom for guests. The existing ground floor was 500mm below the 2.4AHD flood level; creating a major problem if the existing dwelling was to be salvaged. The clients also wanted to achieve 3m high ceilings.
A new staircase was located central to the building and projected forward from the existing building face, creating a dramatic feature for the exterior. The stairs also formed the structural base to allow the entire first floor to be lifted 1.5m to allow for the flood level and ceiling height. The waterfront elevation was opened to allow for bifold doors to link the entire living/kitchen area to the deck. The floor was covered with 200mm spotted gum with 5mm black silicone in between; mimicking the aesthetics of classic boat construction. A large modern gallery kitchen was designed. High light, northern windows were added. These northern windows also framed the old paper bark tress surrounding the site; the resulting effect adds a romantic character to this sophisticated space.
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