Green Days

In Sydney, a thoughtful coastal-inspired design has delivered an elegant family home among the treetops.

- Rachael Bernstone

For the owners of this Sydney home, an active family of five, living in a leafy pocket between the city and the beach provides a wonderful place from which to enjoy the great outdoors. Their home – a new four-bedroom Hamptons-inspired abode – has also become a favourite spot for gatherings of family and friends, large and small.

Built on an elevated block with beautiful treetop and district views, the home is designed to make the most of its spectacular location, says architect Walter Barda.

The front door opens to a grand entry foyer with a guestroom and powder room to the left and mudroom and laundry to the right. Straight ahead and a few steps down is the great room-style open-plan kitchen/dining/living area, which opens to an outdoor living zone and pool area. “Since the site is elevated over a rear lane, we created a lower-ground level for the garage and installed a swimming pool on top,” says Walter. “This creates the impression of a waterfront, giving the home a resort feel.” Borrowed views of nearby trees add to the sense of space and enhance the relaxed holiday home ambience.

The first floor contains the family’s bedrooms, family bathroom and second living area, which is mostly used by the children. As well as the garage, the lower-ground level contains a multi-use space designed to evolve from a games room to a media room and, eventually, to a parents’ retreat.