Shinka II
An unconventional design, Shinka II features an open floor plan infused with 1970s nostalgia. Crafted by Shawood under the Sekisui House umbrella, the aspirational home uses Australian and Japanese concepts to support entertaining, wellness and luxury living.
Nestled within Norman Estates, south-west of Sydney, Shinka II champions the values embodied by its premium surroundings. Ideas of community and self-care are elevated through a considered design complete with expansive social areas and custom wellness facilities. “We also pay homage to Australian history and how we lived in the past,” notes Lester Chambers, design director at Sekisui House. The home begins with bespoke cabinetry framing the entryway, leading to a guest suite and formal lounge. Beyond these, the living, kitchen and dining areas blend within a vast open space. While the adjacent wellness centre honours the Japanese tradition of mindfulness – enhanced by a bathing area and zen garden – the downstairs wine cellar embraces a global culture of connecting through shared experiences. At the top of the house, the first floor contains the primary suite and elevated lounge.
To facilitate entertaining, Shawood takes an innovative approach to social spaces. “Australians, by nature, tend to congregate around the kitchen, so we used the kitchen as furniture,” says Chambers. The island bench, free of taps and sinks, forms a natural gathering point, while a butler’s pantry off the kitchen allows access to an alfresco living area. When the outdoor space is in use, the pantry serves as an indoor-outdoor kitchen. In addition, Shawood provides a modern version of a 1970s garage, which is instead set beside the main living area and fitted with a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door. Opening to the body of the house, the space extends the social areas into the outdoors.
Throughout Shinka II, a sense of luxury is fostered through scale, materiality and amenities. “Sitting in the living area, you really notice how the light plays on the different textures in the building,” says Chambers. “The way the light reflects off the pool onto the timber ceiling in the kitchen and the way the shadows move across a stone wall.” The enveloping stone visually warms a double-height void that stretches from the living area to the first-floor ceiling. Upstairs, the rooms are designed to evoke the image and functionality of a premium hotel. The primary suite includes an elegant walk-in wardrobe and dressing area, while the ensuite – a large and open space – is detailed with a stone bath tub, double bowl vanities, spacious shower and separate toilet area. In the bedroom, floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views that can be enhanced by stepping onto a private balcony, the largest balcony of the house.
Balancing Australian and Japanese design influences, Shinka II accommodates both the desire to entertain and the need for peaceful contemplation. Guided by a vision of luxury inspired by the ‘70s, Shawood creates a modern home that celebrates indoor-outdoor living.
Architecture, interior design and build by Shawood. Development by Sekisui House.
