Carwoola Residence by Reitsma x Clipsal

Words by Brett Winchester
Photography by Cieran Murphy
Lighting by Clipsal
In Partnership with Clipsal

Located in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast, Carwoola Residence by Reitsma is designed as a place to entertain, rest and embrace the beachside surrounds.

From the street, the home is designed to visually connect each level to the surrounds while also offering privacy. Upon entry, Reitsma has created the feeling of compression and expansion by adding a concrete portal, which opens to an expansive void with views up to the sky. From here, the addition of an oversized pivot front door blurs the boundary between inside and outside.

Upon entry, Reitsma has created the feeling of compression and expansion by adding a concrete portal, which opens to an expansive void with views up to the sky.

Once inside the entry foyer, the full-height void tapers to a frameless window that looks out over the pool and towards Mooloolaba wharf. This choice by Reitsma was to bring an essence of water right to the front door and immediately ignite the desire to explore what lies beyond the entrance. With privacy walls running north and south, the home is shielded from neighbours yet opened to the water. In the external living areas, Reitsma has created a deck with a cascading effect. This allows the entertaining areas to waterfall towards the wharf and bring a beach element to the entertainment zones. This was also done to create more viewing opportunities from the living space and the kitchen.

The kitchen design is inspired by a love of entertaining. The oversized island bench has been designed like a table that rests on two concrete legs, while, beneath it, the mirrored substructure creates a floating effect. Moreover, the home features an additional lounge zone that conveys the theme of compression and expansion. This space allows the owners to relax and feel embraced by the home. Central to the ground level is the lift, which is the core of the home and gives direct access to bedrooms above and the basement.

Once inside the entry foyer, the full-height void tapers to a frameless window that looks out over the pool and towards Mooloolaba wharf.

Upstairs is designed with a dark and moody mystique – to the left is a concealed entry point into the main suite, walk-in-robe and ensuite. The upper level also has a spherical window and walkway that connects the main suite to the rest of the home, passing over the void of the living room and out to a balcony. In addition to the main suite are three guestrooms with ensuites that echo the materials and exaggerated proportions of the main bedroom and bathroom.

In the basement, multiple parking spaces fan off in a circular configuration. Beyond the parking is the man cave, a study and a luxury car showroom. Uniquely, the car showroom connects to pool through a circular porthole, similar to the spherical window on the second level. These portholes create a viewing opportunity out to the Mooloolaba Wharf while also welcoming natural light.

Through a partnership with Clipsal, Reitsma installed a circle switching mechanism throughout the entire home that controls lights, fans and more.

Reitsma worked with the clients to execute their specific lifestyle requirements and the electrical elements in the home. Through a partnership with Clipsal, Reitsma installed a circle switching mechanism throughout the entire home that controls lights, fans and more. The panels, sleek in their design, connect to elements such as the spherical portholes and modern interior elements. Moreover, the Clipsal switches were emblazoned with LED lights and intuitive icons.

With elements of concrete, steel, timber and a dark and moody colour palette, the home allows the owners to feel comfortable and protected in their own space. However, created to celebrate the owners passions, Carwoola Residence embraces its natural surrounds and gives the owners their space to enjoy what they love most.

Architecture and interior design by Reitsma. Build by Gray Construction Group.