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Mediterranean Modern – Wareemba House by ES Design and FOS Collective
With serene views of the Parramatta River, Wareemba House embodies the art of meticulous design and thoughtful material choices. Crafted by ES Design and FOS Collective, the contemporary residence fuses Mediterranean-inspired design, functionality and the allure of riverside living.
Wareemba, a suburb on the Parramatta River in Sydney’s inner west, provides the ideal backdrop for this unique project. Its distinctiveness lies in the two detached dwellings that share a common concept yet possess individual details, each boasting its own charm. The selection of materials was an artform in itself, with an emphasis on both character and durability. ES Design’s architectural vision and FOS Collective’s interior expertise converged to curate a material selection – including quartzite from CDK Stone and a Moroccan-inspired lime plaster finish by Rockcote – that not only evokes a relaxed Mediterranean aesthetic but also ensures practicality.
Positioned in the higher part of Wareemba with water views from both levels, the most challenging aspect of the project for ES Design was the form of the lot. Its shape led to innovative design decisions, with the boundary lines guiding the creation of first-floor angular curved shapes that overhang the ground-floor entry, offering a more private and set-back entrance. The interior material palette complements the exterior form: sophisticated, subdued, considered. The rear gardens are thoughtfully stepped up to follow the natural undulation of the ground, creating multiple platforms that enhance the outdoor living experience.
The project, which received a special commendation in the Building Designers Association of Australia’s 2023 National Design Awards, reflects both ES Design and FOS Collective’s commitment to thoughtful design, blending aesthetics with functionality. The exterior design was conceived from the waterfront locale, drawing on a coastal aesthetic and a modern built form. The interiors are open and light and exude a Mediterranean-inspired ambience that accentuates the suburb’s waterside character. “The materials draw inspiration from those naturally used in Mediterranean-style design,” says Spiroula Stathakis, Founder and Director of FOS Collective. “These include textured plaster walls and Bejmat-style Moroccan tiles in the bathrooms, with pops of bold character introduced through the stone. Crazy paving in the external areas, with the same limestone in the form of cobblestones, is in keeping with the Mediterranean feel – think laneways in Greece.”
Opting for Moroccan-style plaster walls – Marrakesh from Rockcote – was an inspired choice throughout the residences. “Marrakesh is not only beautiful but also boasts great benefits when used in any living space or wet area,” says Spiroula. “It can be built up and moulded to suit any shape or form necessary which is why we used it for the illuminated arched niches and to integrate the lighting in the staircase. The natural texture of the walls, although subtle, is a main feature and the natural off-white colour set the tone, with all the complementary finishes following suit.”
The overall colour palette – primarily ivory and taupe, with terracotta and bronze highlights – remains intentionally understated, focusing on textures and grains rather than overt hues. That’s beautifully illustrated in the kitchen, where Taj Mahal Quartzite from CDK Stone and ashy timber veneer were chosen for their distinct grain patterns. “Quartzite is a much stronger alternative to natural marble and can withstand a lot more than other natural and engineered stones, which ensures longevity,” explains Spiroula. Aged iron tapware from Brodware adds character to the understated palette.
Quartzite – CDK’s Tempest – also stars in the bathrooms, where Bejmat-style porcelain tiles were selected to mimic the appearance of natural terracotta. “In the bathrooms, we played with texture some more, and ensured we created a seamless finish while ensuring practicality by tiling the showers in Bejmat replica porcelain tiles from Di Lorenzo. Traditional Moroccan Bejmat tiles are made from terracotta, which cannot be used on floors and is not as durable as porcelain. These tiles create a beautiful, natural-looking yet durable alternative, with an authentically Mediterranean feel.”
In Wareemba House, the considered design has created a sanctuary where the natural blends seamlessly with the crafted. Each day in these residences is a celebration of quintessential riverside living, where timeless beauty intersects with modern functionality.
