Boldly Unexpected – Onyx by Story Design Collective

Words by Bronwyn Marshall
Interior Design by Carmichael Build
Styling by Valiant
Landscape by Carmichael Build

Exhibiting a bold and contrasting statement, Onyx draws inspiration from a layered and moody urban narrative despite its coastal positioning. Story Design Collective creates a distinctive home of dark materiality and texture as a juxtaposition to the surrounding natural context.

Located in Palm Beach, Onyx marks a strong presence in its coastal setting. Aspiring to push the envelope with its design, Onyx exudes a dark and moody tone, taking cues from an inner urban inspiration. Creating an individual identity and allowing the owners to express their personality was as a strong direction in the brief. Out of respect for the surrounding natural elements, Story Design Collective chooses to create a home that both contrasts and embraces the native landscape.

By reinventing the depth of the home’s experience through materiality and light play, Onyx aims to redefine luxury coastal living.

Onyx is conceived as an architectural experiment – exploring the design’s intersection of atmosphere and engagement of the senses. In size and silhouette, the home is aligned with the surrounding built environment – though becomes distinct through a deviation from the traditional textures and tones of nearby homes. By reinventing the depth of the home’s experience through materiality and light play, Onyx aims to redefine luxury coastal living.

Considerate of both form and function, the structure reflects a more modern context. Responding to the new work-from-home lifestyle, a detached structure becomes a dedicated office space separate from the main house. Moreover, a rich and contemporary material palette works to create a cohesive whole. The introduction of batten screening speaks to the warm climate of the area, allowing air to move freely through the spaces and naturally cool the interior whilst structural overhangs protect from sunlight. Onyx comes together as a series of considered elements aimed to uplift the home’s experience.

Onyx is conceived as an architectural experiment – exploring the design’s intersection of atmosphere and engagement of the senses.

In balancing a response to its location and its owners, Onyx emerges as a distinctive structure. Story Design Collective has layered natural light, palette and texture to create a home that is bold yet considerate of the natural surrounds.