All points considered
Constraints can bring out the best in a design and this project had a few – a steeply sloping site and multi-generational occupancy were both addressed along the way to creating a warm, connected and refined home
Designed by Reginald Hawkins, Reggie's Design
From the building designer:
The brief started off simply enough – design a double storey house with 4 bedrooms, 2.5-3.5 bathrooms and a double garage to fit on a 435m² block of land all while keeping construction costs under one million dollars.
However, then came the kicker.
The land has a slope of 3m from back to front, but as it needed to be accessible for older family members due to many generational families living together, a split level design was out of the question!
Other requirements and constraints were that there was to be a swimming pool for smaller children with a spa for the adults and the design was to be different to anything else in the area.
Plus, despite the small allotment, the new home needed to feel open, airy and luxurious – like living in a holiday home – and, lastly, there was to be no closed off, rabbit warren-like hallways upstairs!
The main issue was with the design for the slope.
Cut & fill was required to not only assist with the accessible concept, but also to work in with the surrounding properties who had already begun to cut their lots.
However, we didn't want to be looking out into a 3m wall, so we designed a bespoke, multi-level pool area to form part of the rear retaining wall and landscaping, complete with built in pool storage.
The cantilevered upper floor hangs out to form a cosy alfresco area which connects the interior with the pool area.
The next challenge to be addressed was accessibility for older family members.
Due to the small footprint available, it was decided to have downstairs dedicated to living spaces, to keep the design feeling as open as possible – thereby locating all of the bedrooms upstairs.
To solve the issue of accessibility, a lift was designed to be installed with three out of four of the walls in glass.
A two storey void was designed to tie both floors together and to make the groundbreaking Kalea lift – Australia’s first of its kind in a residential setting – a stand-out feature rather than an add-on.
Other features such as 920 wide internal doors were included as well as a walk-around shower to the main bathroom to service the fourth bedroom – or senior's suite.
Bedrooms two and three are serviced by a 'Jack and Jill' bathroom with separate vanities.
The spacious master bedroom overlooks the pool with full height fixed glass windows and features an oversized ensuite with a walk-around twin shower, twin floating vanities, and indulgent underfloor heating.
This residence offers an extraordinary living experience that captivates from the moment you arrive.
Upon entry, the expansive front seating area, framed by towering floor-to-ceiling windows, flows effortlessly into the open-plan living and dining space.
With a striking 5.7m ceiling and polished concrete floors that catch the light in ever-changing patterns, the home celebrates natural beauty and refined comfort.
Underfloor heating ensures a perfect climate year-round, enhancing the home's sense of ease and relaxation throughout.
The gourmet kitchen, a culinary dream, boasts high class Italian appliances, a concealed butler’s pantry, and an expansive stone island that serves as both a culinary workspace and a social hub.
Triple stacker doors lead seamlessly to the alfresco areas, creating a perfect setting for extended gatherings.
The pièce de résistance is the double-level infinity pool, with its cascading edge and built-in spa, creating an unrivalled outdoor sanctuary.
Helpful links
Windows and Doors
Cabinetry Hardware
Spas
Home Builder
Roofing
Heating
Flooring
Taps
Home Design
Story by: Trendsideas
Home kitchen bathroom commercial design
All points considered
Crisp and well connected
Slow living and daily ritual
