MODERN HABITAT

This contemporary Australian beach shack has experienced a soulful second coming with subtle bush colours reflective of its surrounding environment.

- CARLI PHILIPS

The inquisitive owner of this contemporary beach shack on the Central Coast of New South Wales set about researching its origins soon after purchasing it in 2015. When he tracked down David Boyle – the architect who had drawn it up in 2006 – the two met and discovered that the house had only been partly realised as intended.

They struck up a friendship and when designers Arent&Pyke commenced working on phase two of the interiors scheme, David was re-engaged to design a pergola, cladding materials and – together with Arent&Pyke – the window joinery. The fullcircle experience encouraged a subtle yet significant ripple effect, especially when it came to the surrounding landscape, explains Arent&Pyke principal Juliette Arent.

“The influence of the coastal environment on the interiors had an impact in so far as David designed the home to open up to the bush and brought a golden, grassy glow into the home with its raked hoop-pine ceilings,” says Juliette. “In turn, our interiors and decoration responded to that architecture alongside the desire of the client to create a home that felt uniquely Australian. And, of course, the kitchen joinery in eucalyptus tones, and blues and greens throughout the home, echo the landscape and sea beyond.”