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’.”