Revising Coastal Textures – Inside Outside House by Studio aem

Perched high atop a steep precipice in the southern Sydney bay of Burraneer, Inside Outside House has been reimagined by Studio aem into a place of contemporary warmth and tactility. The introduction of Elton Group timber veneers adds a refined and textural layer to the home, complementing the palette and contemporary finishes of the interiors.

Studio aem’s choice to steer away from the predictable light palette that defines traditional coastal living in favour of an elegant alternative results in a refined sense of calm and simplicity materialised by restraint. With deep tones, clean lines, minimal ornamentation of the custom cabinetry, the darkened mood of the open-plan kitchen and dining areas reflects the raw beauty of the surrounding landscape, without seeking to compete.

The introduction of Elton Group timber veneers adds a refined and textural layer to the home, complementing the interior’s colour palette and contemporary finishes.

Despite transforming the original 1970s home into a three-storey breeze-catcher with lower and upper-level additions, the kitchen still remains the heart of this home and is completed by Elton Group’s timber joinery. An innovative floating bench, crafted from Eveneer from Elton Group, in the entry vestibule and sets the scene for the main joinery throughout the home. Working with joiner Scotts Kitchens, Studio aem injected the joinery with both refined and raw textures. Elton Group’s Eveneer prefinished Fango Groove and Eveneer Grigio as well as the contemporary pre-finished Xilo Touch Black quarter cut veneer products create a layered sense of depth.

Given the heavy emphasis on veneered joinery in this project, Alex of Studio aem approached Andrew Knight of Scotts Kitchens based on the joiners’ more than 30 years industry experience and their strong working relationship, having collaborated on multiple occasions previously. “Alex’s work is both creative and sophisticated,” Andrew says. “As a designer, she enjoys pushing boundaries and testing the skills of Studio aem, approaching any build with trust and a collaborative mindset; a process which is an equal balance of fun and ‘learning-as-we-go’.”

This contemporary abode offers seamless integration between not just one but multiple indoor and outdoor zones of living, engendering a unique barefoot and bayside sophistication.

A key component to the Inside Outside House brief was the personalisation of space, and Studio aem achieved this not only through a carefully considered material palette and detailed joinery but also by embracing a connection to the outdoors. Four-metre-high ceilings and a sunken living area accentuate the sense of abundant space and light. A number of new courtyards and balconies on each level, intensified by expansive glass windows and doors, ensure that nature remains the key director of the occupants’ gaze and that the organic animation of the great outdoors is felt at all times.

 Complementing this transformation of the interiors, Jamisa Design Architects also endeavoured to allow as much of the outside ambiance to penetrate the home. Unlocking the potential of the dramatically sloping site was a key contributor to achieving this vision. Through carefully considered interventions, the water, wind and the lush vegetation of the national park – seen from any number of spots within Inside Outside House – now the imbue the voluminous spaces with green aspect, cementing the interacting relationship between the home and its surrounding environment.

The coastal warmth of Elton Group’s Eveneer Prefinished Fango Groove and Eveneer Grigio as well as the contemporary pre-finished Xilo Touch Black quarter cut veneer products create a layered sense of depth.

Inside Outside House is a nod to the easy-going Australian lifestyle that is celebrated by the modern aesthetic compiled by Studio aem and executed through Elton Group timber veneers. A carefully considered collection of surface textures permeate each and every airy space with a sense of weightlessness and material authenticity.