The waterfront location, steep site and existing 1960s structure presented a number of technical and construction challenges. The renovation required careful planning to resolve significant water ingress issues while transforming the home into a contemporary, highly functional waterfront residence.

• Drainage and Water Management

Following severe stormwater flooding in 2022, a comprehensive drainage system was introduced across the steep site. Concrete drains and pits were installed to capture and redirect water away from the home, with additional sealing measures incorporated to protect the structure from future water ingress.

• Exterior Transformation

The dated exterior was completely reworked using stone wall cladding, hardwood battens, rendered finishes, spotted gum soffits and custom iron railings and gates. The new material palette gives the home a contemporary appearance while retaining warmth and responding to its waterfront setting.

• Indoor-Outdoor Connection

Access to the waterfront and outdoor entertaining areas was significantly improved. Expansive sliding doors now connect the kitchen and living spaces with the surrounding decks and water views, while the lower level was expanded to incorporate a new pool, bar and generous outdoor dining and lounge areas.

• Improved Layout and Accessibility

The existing floor plan was reconfigured to create better circulation and make more effective use of each level. The second floor now includes two guest bedrooms with ensuites and a walkthrough linen and laundry suite, while a former outdoor storage area was converted into a library and fourth bedroom. A lift connecting the three main floors further improves accessibility throughout the home.

• Modernising the Existing Structure

A key focus was creating the experience of a new contemporary home while working within the existing structure. Sliding doors and windows were enlarged, ceiling heights improved, and louvres introduced to increase natural airflow. New timber floors and stairs, floor-to-ceiling doors and curved architectural elements were carefully integrated throughout, giving the renovated home a cohesive new identity.

By addressing these challenges with strategic planning and innovative design, the renovation not only preserved the property’s unique character but also enhanced its functionality, aesthetics, and resilience against future environmental factors.

 Exterior Façade Transformation:

The home’s exterior now exudes modern warmth through the use of stone wall cladding, hardwood battens, render, and custom-designed iron railings and gates. An oversized iron door with glass panels welcomes visitors, leading them into an entryway illuminated by a long oval skylight, seamlessly guiding them to the main upstairs living and dining areas.

Interior Enhancements:

• Kitchen and Living Areas: The kitchen has been transformed into an inviting space featuring natural-coloured tiles and stone benchtops. A versatile island and seating area connect to the outdoors via sliding doors, offering uninterrupted views of the water while an additional butlers pantry ensure functional optimization. Adjacent outdoor seating areas and decks boast timber ceilings paired with stone tiles, creating a cohesive indoor-outdoor experience. A floor-to-ceiling double-sided fireplace situated within a curved, tiled dividing structure between the TV area and dining areas adds warmth during winter months, establishing a cozy lounge atmosphere. The upstairs powder room is luxury, with a large stone benchtop, custom timber joinery and lighting. Feature lighting, including a sculptural pendant hovering over the entry internal stair, and decorative, yet function wall lights are dotted throughout the interiors adding scale, tactility & highlighting architectural elements.

• Guest Accommodations: The redesigned second floor layout offers two guest bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms, and a walkthrough linen and laundry suite. The master bedroom spans the entire front / water side of the home, featuring a luxurious marble-tiled bathroom with custom joinery and stone benchtops.

• Mezzanine Level: This floor includes a reading room that can serve as a fourth bedroom, complete with an ensuite, and an exquisite wine cellar capable of holding over 1,000 bottles, showcased by a large window which can be viewed by the bar area below. Walls adorned with cork and custom joinery maximize both space and display potential.

Entertainment Hub:

The ground floor is an entertainer’s paradise, featuring limestone-tiled floors, floor to ceiling windows and soaring timber ceilings and exposed steel beams.  It houses a built-in lounge area, kitchen/BBQ preparation space, and a large natural stone bar with a ladder to reach the shelves 4.5M high which seamlessly flows into the poolside seating area. The 8-meter by 2-meter pool extends along the length of the outdoor space, providing ample room for dining, lounging, and entertaining.

Additional Features:

The renovation incorporates modern amenities such as a Sonos sound system in all indoor and outdoor living areas, a lift providing access to the three main floors, TOVO lighting indoors, outdoors, and feature strip lighting, complete KNX automation, heated floors, air conditioning, and a full solar installation with energy storage.

Conclusion:

This renovation masterfully blends modern design elements with the home’s original character, resulting in a residence that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The thoughtful integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, coupled with high-quality materials and finishes, has created a home perfectly suited for both relaxation and entertainment. The collaborative efforts of the owners, architect/interior designer, and builder were instrumental in achieving this outcome. By working closely together, they ensured that the design was creatively optimized, quality materials and constructions were achieved, and the home’s usability was enhanced, culminating in a harmonious and inviting living environment.  We have named its style “Casual Elegance”.