Restful Haven – Long Reef House by CHROFI

Through deliberate design choices, CHROFI ensures Long Reef House retains its original footprint and location on site while simultaneously enhancing connections to the natural surrounds. CHROFI grounds the new home in place by aligning the façade with the headland and extending its width along the coastline, aligning with the rhythmic lapping of ocean waves.

CHROFI draws inspiration from neighbouring homes and the existing urban fabric in the reworking of Long Reef House. The home achieves a balance between expansive ocean views, serene retreats within lush gardens and a neutral palette that fosters a tranquil atmosphere. Beyond the immediate visual allure of the nearby ocean, the interior unfolds through a unique, elevated approach adopted by the architect. The use of masonry as the primary building material not only anchors the home but makes a statement of enduring permanence. This rejuvenation and expansion of the existing home required thoughtful planning from CHROFI, and the application of new finishes throughout the structure ensures essential elements of the dwelling are preserved.

The home achieves a balance between expansive ocean views, serene retreats within lush gardens and a neutral palette that fosters a tranquil atmosphere.

The blurred indoor-outdoor thresholds enable the landscape to act as an extension of the internal spaces. This facilitates natural ventilation and allows light to flood the interiors, further establishing a connection to the outdoors. While the exterior features a light palette to reduce heat absorption, the interior incorporates warmth through the use of timber. Newly built joinery not only provides storage space but also brings natural texture indoors, disrupting the cooler surfaces of concrete and plaster. By incorporating louvres over the glazing, this allows for some control over sunlight and shading while maintaining visual access to the ocean.

The lower level of the dwelling houses the living areas, which naturally spill into the rear garden, while the upper levels offer expansive, distant views. The new garden at the entrance sets the tone for the upcoming interior experience as one crosses the threshold. The restrained quality of the overall palette also bolsters this connection, with neutral finishes acting as a solid foundation.

The blurred indoor-outdoor thresholds enable the landscape to act as an extension of the internal spaces.

In response to the dynamic nature of the ocean, Long Reef House embraces contrast, manifesting as a solid, linear and substantial form. CHROFI incorporates the owners’ passion for the ocean into the design of the home, anchoring the occupants to the site through sensory reminders of the distant water.