The House on Coogee Hill

by Onsite Planning and Design

My client had lived in the original home for many years, and had spent much time deliberating whether to stay and renovate or move on. In the end, the chance to create something that was truly her own was an opportunity not to miss. She was wary of an unoriginal and mundane interior, and recognised that bespoke outcomes could be attained through engaging a designer. We both agreed on a guiding objective or the project: to create a unique outcome, that is differentiated with considered use of colour and materiality. My clients’ vision boards were filled with homes featuring exposed bricks. The builders on site were able to fulfill this desire by re-purposing the bricks from the demolition of the original home. This created a striking wall, which also inspired the selection of the tumbled and acid washed limestone tiles found in the laundry and bathrooms. These tiles surprised us with their tactile nature that softened the rooms.

My client was very responsive to copper finishes, and therefore we brought elements in whenever possible. Since the surrounding locale was coastal, it felt right to acknowledge the elements of sand, water and sun when selecting finishes. Looking upon the benchtops in in the kitchen, you feel as though you are surrounded by sand dunes, in the laundry frothy waves seem to envelope you, and finally in the bathroom a vast sky of grey clouds close around you. The end results: these elements combined evoke nostalgia of a past era. This is a modern home in Sydney that punches admirably above its size in terms of functionality. It creates a safe and warm environment for its busy inhabitants, allowing for each person to have their own space to retreat. Those friends and family that walk through the door are amazed at the transformation, and relish being welcomed and made to feel at home, laughing and sharing stories around the kitchen island.