Coastal escape

Designed by SAAJ Design

From the architect:

Context

• The owner’s brief was to create a contemporary coastal home addressing the practicalities of a busy family life. We were presented with an unusual wedge-shaped site, optimistically with a back yard opening to the north and a mature 12m high Himalayan cedar tree to the south.
• The floor plan resulted in the parents' retreat / bathroom suite being located on the upper floor, viewing onto the southern street frontage.
• A series of curved planes, stacked and sliding from each other, hugs the canopy of the Himalayan Cedar. 
• From the entry, one glides under the canopy before reaching the front door. 

The master retreat

• From within the bathroom suite, placement of the windows reveals different framed aspects of the tree; looking into the heart of the tree, experiencing the shadows casts onto the obscure glazing. This is further enhanced by a series of vertical battens.
• Hidden from street perspective, a natural light scoop, orientated to the north, invites light in to the south-facing ensuite. We also combined obscure glazing and vertical battens to the south, for privacy, appearing like a frozen sheer curtain.
• A finely detailed and balanced composition is comprised of natural, subtle tones and coastal inspired hues.

• While this is an open-plan suite, it still provides a sense of privacy and enclosure for each activity within the suite.
• Courtesy of a sliding wall, the owners can choose to view the television or the freestanding bath composition in the background from the master bedroom – the bathroom suite operates like a private parents' retreat.
• The play of bouncing natural light into spaces during the day and placement of artificial light for the theatrics of the evening was carefully considered.
• The WIR's placement contributes to the practical flow of daily routines – a makeup vanity, pendant light & circular mirror centred on the entrance connects the WIR to the ensuite.

Designed by: SAAJ Design

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Andrew Bartholomeusz