A double-storey home with efficient use of the steeply sloping site was the result. It reveals different textures and building materials: incorporating granite, stone, stainless steel and aluminium; a mélange that was subsequently expanded to include off-shutter concrete and limited timber applications, which were intended to be self-weathering.

Low-maintenance – particularly necessary due to the dramatically corrosive atmosphere – was a prerequisite. Kitchen, dining and living was interconnected in an open-plan format, yet as clearly defined spaces with their own character, and a separate screened-off TV room was included. The pool area, with spill-over surface to the sea view, has an alfresco cooking facility closely linked to the kitchen. This seamless flow from interior to exterior echoes the relaxed south-coast lifestyle.
Bedroom accommodation began with four bedrooms, with en suite bathrooms, to cater for guests. This was changed during construction to allow for an alternate family living area on the upper floor by eliminating one bedroom suite; thus, three bedrooms were deemed adequate. A certain level of sophistication, including electronic controls for lighting and sound, was incorporated.

Simplicity in the landscape design, with special emphasis on an indigenous and self-sustaining garden inspired the clients to become more directly involved. Their resourceful approach is epitomised in the collection of driftwood recovered from the coast after the recent cyclonic storms: e.g. tree trunks in the landscaped courtyard and ‘tree sculptures’ in the garden.

July/August 2010 Issue

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