Timeless Tranquillity – Kefi House by Cadence & Co
On Sydney’s North Shore, Kefi House is a seamless blend of modern design and Mediterranean-inspired luxury, masterfully crafted by the team at Cadence & Co. This generous residence embodies relaxed opulence through its choice of materials and architectural ingenuity.
Cadence & Co, a full-service practice comprising architects, interior designers, craftspeople and builders, has built a distinguished reputation in the Sydney design community. With a portfolio encompassing modern country acreages, coastal retreats and urban residences, it has consistently delivered exceptional projects marked by quality workmanship and attention to detail. Employing more than 40 designers and architects across three studios, Cadence & Co is not just about designing spaces – it’s about crafting experiences and bringing the essence of a location and the aspirations of its clients to life.
Its latest project, Kefi House, on Sydney’s North Shore, embodies Cadence & Co’s unwavering commitment to timeless design. The materials were carefully selected to age gracefully, creating a rich textural interplay that will be enhanced with time. Raw hardwoods – destined to grey naturally – harmoniously blend with a soft, undulating white render, a subtle nod to the Greek heritage of one of the homeowners (‘kefi’ is a Greek word that means a spirit of joy and passion). Throughout the house, an emphasis on natural materials in their purest form is evident, from hand-glazed Moroccan terracotta tiles in both the kitchen and ensuite to polished plaster walls that elegantly capture and play with the abundant natural light.
Completed in late 2022, Kefi House has four bedrooms and three bathrooms, and sits on a 450 square metre steep challenging site. This topography required creative thinking from the Cadence & Co team, leading to innovative ‘garden stairs’. Creating the stairs to a midway entry in the floor plan allowed for an ingenious open plan with the kitchen at the centre. This central positioning meant the kitchen had generous sightlines over both living spaces and the west-facing lawn and pool, as well as panoramic views to the east. The garden stairs not only resolved the spatial flow but also enhanced the overall layout by creating a more generous entry space.
Kefi House’s design ethos revolves around creating a sense of sanctuary through relaxed luxury. The carefully chosen palette is calm and textured, with a focus on natural materials and handcrafted details.
Kefi House’s design ethos revolves around creating a sense of sanctuary through relaxed luxury. The carefully chosen palette is calm and textured, with a focus on natural materials and handcrafted details. The house takes full advantage of its dramatic northern elevation, offering panoramic views over North Harbour towards Manly, while the rear living spaces open onto a large, lushly planted lawn and garden, featuring a mix of tropical and Mediterranean foliage. The resort-like ambience is evident throughout, with a play on woven textures and elements that bring the outdoors in. A four-poster bed in one of the bedrooms is wrapped in a rope detail, echoing the broad theme of relaxed subtropical luxury.
Kefi House is not just a residence: it’s a testament to refined design and unwavering dedication. Its blend of relaxed luxury, Mediterranean influences and a commitment to materials that age with grace create a home that is not only stunning today but will patina gracefully for decades to come. It is a sanctuary where each day is an ode to quintessential Sydney living: prized harbour views, relaxed luxury and an effortless connection to a lush private garden and swimming pool.
