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.”
Denne historien er fra February 2024-utgaven av Australian House & Garden Magazine.
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Denne historien er fra February 2024-utgaven av Australian House & Garden Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Megan Morton's - RURAL IDYLL
The stylist and author reveals the secrets to her decorating journey with Mimosa Moon, her home in the Northern Rivers region of NSW.
RURAL RETREAT
A Colonial-look 1970s property on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria is gently renovated with an English-country aesthetic in mind.
Michael Reid OAM
The renowned art dealer and entrepreneur, who runs a congregation of creative businesses across the globe, shares the moments and muses that have shaped his extensive career.
MASTER peace
Gallery owner Michael Reid has created his own living paradise, a rambling garden he keenly shares with fellow art lovers who visit the Murrurundi, NSW, gallery location.
GARDENS of the world
Up close and personal with the most memorable gardens in Morocco and Spain.
INTO the wild
Three words inspired the rework of this Kangaroo Valley, NSW, home among the gum trees: embracing, vibrant and Animalia.
COUNTRY kitchen.
Flavourful and warming dishes from The Cordony Kitchen with seasonal vegetables as the stars of the show.
HOLIDAY at home
Missing the Indonesian villa they enjoyed on a recent holiday the owners decided to recreate their own retreat at home.
STATEMENT piece
For a holiday home that embodies the coastal beauty of Bermagui, NSW, minimalist bricks were the natural choice, inside and out.
EFFORTLESS charm
With a discrete street frontage, this home fulfils the brief to keep its visual impact on the lush surrounds to a minimum.
