A well known northern suburbs real estate agent commissioned me to design an impressive beach front home in Iluka. The client’s brief required three levels, private, resort style accommodation for frequent visitors as well as their own desire for opulent coastal living and flexible entertaining spaces.
The project was extensively modelled in 3D before its construction. Sketchup is an excellent modelling and presentation tool to use throughout the design process.
The ground floor was raised half a metre above natural ground level. This reduced the severity of the under croft garage, increased both the ground and first floor views and enhanced privacy from the street.
The ground floor balcony was perceived as more of a "public" area for entertaining. Paradoxically, it also acted as a privacy buffer between the ground floor living accommodation and the street. The large, shading overhangs led to flexible entertaining spaces and also minimised any harsh afternoon sun penetration to the west facing windows.
The ground floor living spaces enjoy uninterrupted yet protected views of the Indian Ocean. The occupants are visually connected to the pool and spa via a north facing window, which allows natural warmth to be captured in the floors during winter.
The living area is shared with an open plan meals and kitchen area, which opens out onto an Alfresco Dining area at the rear of the site. This area was carefully designed to offer protection from south westerly winds.
The Kitchen features an under lit breakfast bar and mirrored splash backs to the cabinetry.
The Alfresco area to the rear leads into a sunken bar, pool and spa, which is seamlessly connected to the home and the beachside entertaining areas. Due to the depth of the front entertaining area and the additional height from pedestrian street level, Spa goers still enjoy ocean views in complete privacy.
The theatre room is situated on the Southern side of the home. Opposite the 'wall to wall' fitted TV cabinetry is a raised amphitheatre type seating arrangement, the curves of which are reflected in the ceiling plan.
One of the separate guest accommodation suites, complete with private balcony access, walk in robe, kitchenette and ensuite.
The only room in the house to not enjoy an ocean view is treated to a spacious private ensuite, walk in robe and private rear garden access.
The master suite enjoys its own balcony, open plan ensuite and spa with uninterrupted ocean views. Interestingly, the walk in robe cantilevers into the void of the entry, and provides an exciting visual between the two spaces.
The front facade is a contemporary take on the Australian veranda, it incorporates huge sweeping roof planes and clean durable materials to offer a charismatic yet timeless elevation.
The home was featured on the front page of; 'The Sunday Times- Realestate' issued February 15, 2015.
The full page spread features comments from the happy home owners.
