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L’ARC Maison by Beyond Build Constructions and SBD Studio
L’ARC Maison in southern Sydney is a testament to the creative partnership between Beyond Build Constructions and SBD Studio, and a reflection of its owners’ diverse cultural influences.
When Jason and Sara Economos of Beyond Build Constructions stumbled across an abandoned cottage in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire in 2020, they were struck by its untapped potential. With breathtaking views of the Royal National Park and an enchanting heritage sandstone facade, the duo – respectively Beyond Build’s co-owner/managing director and marketing manager/interior stylist – didn’t hesitate to buy the property. Nor did they hesitate in partnering with award-winning building design company SBD Studio, a multidisciplinary practice that thrives on “pushing boundaries when crafting timeless modern homes”, says its founder, Jake French.
Jason and Sara – who wore triple hats as owners, builders and interior designers – had a distinct vision for the house that would become L’ARC Maison: it needed to reflect their cultural backgrounds (Greek, French-Canadian and Australian), to embrace indoor/outdoor living and harmonise with the natural environment. For Jason, who founded Beyond Build Constructions with Mark McMullen in 2016, it was not only an opportunity for their team to create a high-end residential build but also to inspire others to take the same journey. “We firmly believe in the potential for success in undertaking a building project and hope we can instil confidence in aspiring homeowners to do the same,” he says.
The project began with the renovation of the original sandstone cottage. The couple lived there for a year while awaiting council approval for the capacious, modern, four-level residence. Now, the two disparate elements co-exist beautifully. “The final product showcases the harmonious connection between old and new, with careful consideration of the constraints of the surrounding natural landscape,” says Jake.
The site’s designation as a bushfire-prone area necessitated primarily non-combustible building materials in the form of concrete and sandstone, the latter a neat visual connection to the cottage. Additionally, Sara’s French-Canadian heritage influenced the home’s materiality both externally and internally. “We incorporated features from Québec, like the Scandinavian barn aesthetic of the Charlevoix area – with its bold black cladding, light oak and large windows – and the high, exposed concrete ceilings found in many industrial-style Montréal apartments,” she says. “We seamlessly mixed them with elements of modern Australian architecture, particularly the emphasis on harmonising with the surrounding natural environment.”
L’ARC Maison comprises four primary levels, each designed to blend indoor and outdoor living spaces seamlessly. “From the entrance on the first floor to the bedrooms, gym and backyard pool area, every level offers a connection to nature,” says Jason. The Royal National Park forms the verdant backdrop, and the floor plan has been carefully arranged to enable views from the main living space, master bedroom and multi-purpose room, as well as all the alfresco living areas.
“When you enter the house, you’re immediately met with views of the tree-lined horizon through the highlight windows that frame the pop-up roof element,” says Jake. “This element is positioned over the central staircase that connects the new extension with the existing house and funnels natural light into the core of the split-level design. As well, the rawness of the polished concrete floor complements the view as its muted tone draws the eye to the vibrant landscape.”
The external concrete and sandstone also grace the interiors. “We used a consistent palette of materials – light oak forms a lovely contrast to the concrete and sandstone – to create a sense of flow and cohesion throughout the space,” says Sara. “We opted for a muted yet sophisticated ambience, with a focus on intentionality and storytelling. While the finishes exude a sense of understated elegance, bold, vibrant artwork adds character and serves as conversation starters.”
L’ARC Maison is the exquisite end-result of Jason and Sara’s desire to create a home that not only tells their narrative as a couple but is also a reflection of Beyond Build’s experience, capability and dedication to craftsmanship. For Jake, the home is another example of SBD’s collaborative, forward-thinking processes, “our passion for architecture and high-quality design … and our commitment to an enjoyable journey for all parties’ throughout every phase of each project.” It’s testament, too, to the seamless blend of construction expertise and architectural innovation embodied in the partnership between the two companies. “Working collaboratively throughout the design and documentation process with Jason and Sara ensured a seamless journey from concept through to construction,” says Jake.
Design by SBD Studio. Interior design by Sara Economos. Build by Beyond Build Constructions. Engineering by Greenview Consulting.
