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Avocado House by HGA Studio
Set in the serene landscape of Byron Bay, Avocado House by HGA Studio interprets the stillness, dynamism and vibrancy of its location with its mid-century modern aesthetic.
Avocado House is a contemporary reimagining of mid-century architecture that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. With a sprawling layout, carefully chosen materials and a design philosophy that centres on connection to the landscape and the character of Byron Bay, the home is a harmonious and immersive retreat.
“I thought we should knock it all down and face it north. But the west view was absolutely incredible.”
The project began as a renovation of a 1980s brick-and-tile house on an expansive 4,000-square-metre site. “The brief started as a renovation, and it’s one of the times I was really wrong because the client had this west-facing living space in mind, which is sort of contrary to everything we do,” recalls Harley Graham, director of HGA Studio. “I thought we should knock it all down and face it north. But the west view was absolutely incredible.”
A U-shaped layout that celebrated the landscape and allowed for expansive, interconnected spaces further cemented the design of Avocado House. The residence surrounds a large pool and green space, which offers a gravitational point that visually connects all parts of the house. The bedroom wing sits to one side, with the living pavilion connected at a perpendicular angle, and an outdoor entertaining space bridges the gap to a studio and garage.
Of note is Avocado House’s single-storey layout that unfurls outwards into the garden. “The site itself works really well with just having a single-storey plan, and it meant that every room was connected to the garden spaces,” says project lead Megan King. For King, this approach was essential to maintaining the home’s subtle integration into the landscape. “If it was a two-storey house, I just don’t think it would give that same feeling,” she says.
Graham agrees, noting that the horizontal form “allows the site to become just as heroic as the house. Once you go for two- or three-storey houses, they become very vertical massing, but here, the site and the trees get to stand tall, shade the house and bring everything down to a human scale.”
“The idea of the materials is to blend between the inside and out. We worked together with the clients to bring in colour that connects to the landscape but also feels fun.”
The juxtaposition of straight lines and curves is guided by mid-century style but with a fresh, contemporary twist. “It’s a reinterpretation of mid-century design,” emphasises Graham. “We didn’t want it to look like a replica … it’s about taking cues from that style without being derivative.”
Natural blockwork, local blackbutt timber cladding and carefully selected stone add warmth and an earthy, grounded feel to the house. King notes that the materials were chosen with an emphasis on echoing the environment: “The idea of the materials is to blend between the inside and out. We worked together with the clients to bring in colour that connects to the landscape but also feels fun.”
This diversity of textures and tones adds richness to the interiors, allowing each room to maintain its own character. In the kitchen, honey-toned timber adorns the cabinetry, juxtaposed by a benchtop of sage green Cristanza stone from Artedomus and the light, neutral tones of the flooring and splashback. These same hues are carried into the adjacent living area, where a fireplace constructed of Artetech Pietra Avorio porcelain panels stands as the focal point and furniture is arranged to foster social interaction and a cosy atmosphere.
The powder room features Saria honed stone and pearlescent Inax Biyusai tiles, lending a sophisticated appearance in tune with the wider space. A custom crazy paving patchwork of Artedomus’s Belvedere, Verde Bardini, Tiberio and Zaragoza stones defines the striking main ensuite, complemented by travertine walls and a green Agape Bjhon basin. Travertine also features in the children’s bathroom, alongside a Calacatta Vagli vanity.
Deep verandahs and robust columns provide shade and protection from the sun while communicating a grounded, resilient character.
Though Avocado House pays homage to mid-century architecture, it also embraces the unique coastal climate of Byron Bay. “I kept gravitating towards mid-century work in California, especially from European modernists who went to California and adapted European modernism for a warmer climate,” says Graham. This fusion of styles and influences was particularly appealing for the site, which shares climatic similarities with California.
Deep verandahs and robust columns provide shade and protection from the sun while communicating a grounded, resilient character. “It’s a response to that western sun, which is incredible in winter but quite intense in summer,” says Graham. To balance this dogmatic aspect, large expanses of glass frame views of the garden, pool and surrounding trees to ensure the home remains in constant dialogue with the spirit of the location. “The current Byron Bay is warm, eclectic and references the past,” says Graham of the region’s shift in architecture, which he sees as “sculptural, friendly and fun. Hopefully, all of these qualities are present in Avocado House.”
Avocado House stands as a unique and sensitive design achievement. The residence’s moniker is inspired by a towering avocado tree that grew on the property, which has now turned into a small collection of trees planted on the site – a detail that conveys HGA Studio’s commitment to creating spaces that feel deeply connected to their environment.
Architecture and interior design by HGA Studio. Build by Pacific Built. Landscape design by Cooke Landscape Architecture. Stone and tiles by Artedomus.
