Inside Out Living

The double-storey architecturally designed beachfront home was designed to take full advantage of the surrounding views, facing north over a reserve and east towards the ocean. In their brief, the owners requested a residence which would easily incorporate a multitude of entertaining areas, with all living spaces elevated to capture the ocean setting.

The overall home consists of three bedrooms, two bathrooms and powder room, two living spaces, a study, and a threecar garage where one space is able to be converted into a future bedroom. In the kitchen, there is a focus on functionality and stylish design. The U-shaped island bench in the middle of the kitchen remains the central element. The white CaesarStone benchtop acts as a perfect offset to the wooden panelling and blackbutt flooring. With a sink and storage units built in and bar stools lining the bench, it doubles in function. A place where meals can be eaten and prepared, it’s the hub of the home. This kitchen was part of the open-plan living space. The ergonomic kitchen projects the entire home into a contemporary era, while still integrating the rest of the residence. A built-in salt-water fish tank complete with tropical reef fish and live coral is a standout feature that links the kitchen to the living and dining space. Moving outdoors, there are three decks on the first floor and a roof terrace complete with a barbecue and sink.

The standout external feature of the house comprises the three curved walls on the northern elevation, one of which spans across the pool to provide shade and privacy. “It’s this space that’s created between the curved masonry walls and the building behind that is my favourite part,” says architect Paul Uhlmann. “These spaces change qualities as the sunlight moves direction.” As the long axis of the house faces north, the home invites in an abundance of natural light, while the curved façade works to provide sun shading to the structure behind. There were many environmental considerations explored in the home. The insulated lightweight timber frame doesn’t retain heat in the sub-tropical climate but instead allows plenty of cross-ventilation. To further support the latter, this linear house was fitted with glass louvres. The internal finishes are extremely durable, with most only needing to be repainted every 10 years. The metal finishes were powdercoated or hot-dipped galvanised due to the home’s proximity to the ocean.