An Inside/Outside Home – Newport House by Brewer Architects

Making the most of its elevated site, Newport House by Brewer Architects is a family home preoccupied with an indoor/outdoor existence. Blurred thresholds and generous openings see the building stretch out towards the water beyond, the pool and terraced gardens becoming an extension of the living space.

Nestled into its steeply sloping coastal location north of Sydney, the Newport House orients itself unmistakably toward the waterfront. Pulled by the cyclical force of distant crashing waves, the living, dining and sleeping quarters are lovingly teased from their serenely monochromatic internal world out onto the resort-like external terrace. Centring on a mosaic-tiled infinity-edged pool that rises out of the valley to greet the main habitable level, a welcomingly bright and leafy garden reinforces this residence’s penchant for alfresco entertaining. In doing so, this is one family home that asserts itself as equal parts inside and out.

As the promenade unfolds, a monolithic but transparently punctured white rendered container for living emerges.

Built by Waterview Constructions, a linear flight of steps sweeps up from the bottom of the property creating a series of cascading garden beds. As the promenade unfolds, a monolithic but transparently punctured white rendered container for living emerges. Horizontally split by a broad yet miraculously-hovering in-situ concrete band, the project consisted of living, dining and amenity areas on the ground floor, with bedroom suites above.

Having ascended, a flush floor level between the outdoor terrace and indoor living spaces helps to create a seamless integration between the two. Once inside, from behind a series of large sliding glass doors, a continuously changing landscape painting makes for an enviable backdrop in pleasant or inclement weather. Here, razor thin faintly-veined Calcutta marble benchtops ground the room. With a matching splashback by Talostone, a homogenous clean and polished visual language is created between wall units and central island.

Framed by a raised concrete edge, white-painted shiplap cladding to the walls and ceilings hug the space in a gentle embrace.

Lined with oiled European oak floorboards, a warmth and sophistication permeates the habitable spaces. To create a consistent and uniform material palette, the same timber is featured along handrails and balustrades. Modest and understated, the living room includes well-appointed furnishings including a grey modular lounge from King Living and a liberal assortment of indoor plants. Adjoining this, the dining table and bench-seats were reclaimed from former Chinese window-sills. Hovering above are a pair of bauble-mesh pendants that both attract attention whilst fading into the background.

Leading to the main bedroom is an open ensuite featuring an opulent splash of Astra Walker tapware. Passing this, ingenious cabinetry by Braeside Joinery allows the bedhead to double as dresser. Framed by a raised concrete edge, white-painted shiplap cladding to the walls and ceilings hug the space in a gentle embrace. In doing so, a cocoon-like sleeping capsule is formed to conjure up the dreams of tomorrow. Whilst the operable side shutters allow this space to breathe, an adjacent roof garden will increase the thermal properties of the ground floor.

Through a consistent use of colour, texture and materiality, an ebb and flow spills from one part of the house to the next. From living areas to sleeping quarters, on the vegetated balcony or shaded terrace, the Newport House is consciously preoccupied with an inside/outside existence.