MODERN HISTORY

Life is now a breeze for a family of five in this calm coastal home with nature-inspired interior finishes and playful art at every turn.

-  Hanna Marton

When architect Michael Cumming’s clients first encountered this idyllic block in a coastal Sydney suburb, it sported a speck of a dilapidated cottage. “But from the front door, you could see out to banana trees and into a lush, green gully,” recalls one of the owners. “It’s a special location.” Easy access to the beach was a bonus.

However, with two bedrooms, one bathroom and one living space, the circa 1910 brick house wasn’t practical for a young family of five. The only solution was to raze the site. The owners coveted a characterful beach house that felt like it had always been there — like the existing sandstone and weatherboard homes in the area — not a stark knock-down rebuild. 

Having met Michael through friends, the owners gelled with the architect instantly – despite his more contemporary bent. “Initially the owners talked about a very traditional, very white beach house,” says Michael. “The trick was to add extra layers, curves and subtle colour so it wasn’t too ‘expected’.”

“Michael respected our wishes but also pushed the design to a more modern place that we were super comfortable with,” adds one of the owners. “He made the house exceptional.”