This turn-of-the-century single-storey property had been a boarding house at one time and as such it looked and felt very institutional. In our redesign, we were keen to instil a sense of homeliness and cater to our client’s desire for regular outdoor entertaining.

To the garden we added a cabana, which can be opened on three sides completely and at the rear of the existing house we maximised the floor space of the loggia. On the main property, we were eager to keep the unique slate roof; however its weight over-whelmed the existing structure. By taking hues from the roof and painting the house accordingly, we integrated the roof into the design, which created a sense of uniformity and balance.

Our brief was to transform a single-storey bungalow into a visually-impressive family home, taking as inspiration the Hampton style of architecture.

To maximise living area, while at the same time adhering to council height requirements, we designed the second floor bedrooms, bathrooms and robes within the roof space. The exterior timber panelling aids stylistically and complements the internal polished timber floors and wood finishes.  To cater to our client’s outdoor lifestyle, we ensured fluidity of movement between the internal living areas and the outdoor entertaining space.

Originally built as duplex in the 1920’s, we were determined to blend the separate floors into one uniform family home.

First to go were the particular ugly stairs placed prominently on the side of the building. The highlight windows create the sense that the roof is floating over a uniform structure. We also integrated the entry facade into a singular element, which further aids in giving the impression of complete integration. The detailing in steelwork reflects the leaves of the dominant existing palms, to offer visual interest and further the relationship to the site.

This red-brick home on an outcrop in Dover Heights, remained largely unaltered since it was built in the post-war period.

We were commissioned to design a property with maximum visual impact that took advantage of the spectacular outlook across the ocean and the adjoining reserve, whilst still offering a liveable family home. Rather than demolishing, we incorporated the original structure into our design. Externally we utilised contrasting materials and textures through the use of rendered walls and painted steel work. Internally, a dramatic entrance welcomes guests and the corridors proceed instinctively into the expansive living areas, second storey and backyard.

In redesigning this single-storey house, our client gave the firm very simple instructions: they wanted their home to have the look and feel of a boat house.

We were also conscious of complementing the eclectic tastes of the family, and creating a home that was unpretentious and homely. We added a two-storey addition at the back, integrating timber features externally and internally.  We were also presented with various structural artefacts the owners had collected during their travels and hoped could be incorporated into the interior design: note the colourful Indian brackets.

Read article “Bohemian Luxe” featured in Home Beautiful.

In redesigning this family home, we were charged with using a Mediterranean-style villa for inspiration.

Marble was laid throughout the interior, complementing the custom cut herring-bone paving on the external thoroughfares and feature courtyards. The dining room has doors and windows on four sides: three sides open to the courtyard, thus fulfilling the family’s desire for alfresco living. The windows, whilst allowing for ample natural light, are proportionally and stylistically-reminiscent of those found in Italy. Overall, by integrating the landscaped exterior with the interior, we created a fluid composition as one moves through the property.

Read article “Mediterraneo” featured in Vogue Living.

In designing a first floor addition to this property, we were conscious of maximising the harbour views, whilst ensuring the addition blended entirely with the existing structure.

The highlight windows create the feeling of a floating roof over the entire building. Aesthetically we used timber cladding to lighten the upper storeys. We reclaimed space above the garage, creating additional outdoor entertaining space.

Used as the location for dozens of television advertisement and fashion shoots, this Federation Cottage was faithfully restored and extended by two floors after extensive research into period design and features.

Our overall aim was to generate a feeling of transparency: capitalising on light and air. By maximising the veranda space we created fluidity between the internal living areas and the covered outdoor space.  Visually-striking, the house has a layered richness, with each angle offering a unique optical experience.

Read article “Open House” featured in Home Beautiful.

The owners, having fond memories of Noosa and Byron Bay, gave us the creative freedom to design their new abode in the style of a beach house.

With views through to Watson’s Bay, we were also keen to maximise the outlook and introduced frameless corner windows to allow the eye to take maximum advantage. The elongated structural layout, reminiscent of a slender yacht, together with the neutral colours ensured the rooms felt liberated and fresh. For the landscaping, the timber stair case and decking around the pool are stylistic evocative of a pier.