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The Waratah Residences by The Modernists and Tesserarch
In Balgowlah on Sydney’s Northern Beaches are The Waratah Residences, a pair of bright, inviting family homes designed by Tesserarch with interiors by The Modernists.
For The Waratah Residences, The Modernists, a Sydney-based property development, design and marketing studio, envisaged two luxury homes with a sophisticated yet laid-back feel, and the design rationale of each dwelling epitomises this approach. “We wanted them to feel current and progressive while still embracing the natural beauty of the area,” says The Modernists’ Toya Worsley. “The design takes cues from the suburb’s relaxed coastal lifestyle, blending function with contemporary architectural form.”
Designed to be spacious, bright and serene, emphasis has been placed on seamless transitions between indoor and out, prioritising natural light and creating a sense of fluidity in the floor plan. Worsley notes that the “oversized, commercial-grade windows and sliding doors that invite natural light and coastal breezes into the home” are integral to this outcome.
The interiors express an elevated beachy aesthetic, with subtle layers of cream and white tones alongside timber and natural stone. European oak floorboards from Made by Block have been used throughout, creating a sense of continuity in the palette. Worsley says the timber flooring specialists’ design-forward philosophy, which is underpinned by longevity and quality, aligns perfectly with that of The Modernists, and its light-toned Lisbon boards proved the ideal choice for this project.
“The subtle hue complements the surrounding natural environment while adding warmth and texture,” says Worsley, adding that “the boards are key to creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere which enhances the everyday living experience.”
In response to Sydney’s balmy climate and the project’s proximity to the beach, equal emphasis has been placed on the internal and external experience, and The Modernists worked with Distinct Landscapes to conceive a contextual, planted program. Inspired by the street’s towering palm trees, the garden builds on this theme, with tropical and desert accents and lush grassy pockets.
“We incorporated lashings of natural limestone, architectural decking and sculptural plantings to punctuate the space with thoughtful detail.” Large boulders and rocks add tactility, and the surrounding tree canopy creates an ever-changing backdrop beyond the fence line.
There is the sense that a life lived at The Waratah Residences would be as graceful as the pace of Sydney’s Northern Beaches. This effect can certainly be attributed to the intentional design approach applied to both residences which, in Worsley’s words, will “age gracefully and inspire both newcomers and long-time residents of the area.”
Architecture by Tesserarch. Interior design and developed by The Modernists. Build by Firmus Building. Landscape design by Distinct Landscapes. Flooring by Made by Block.
