Mediterranean air

Designed by Craig Steere,  CSA (Craig Steere Architects)

From the architects:

How the design fulfilled the homeowner’s brief

Three generation of adults living at the home and the owners wanted to accommodate their adult son and elderly mother to live with them, within wings of the home that are easily compartmentalised.

In response, the guest wings allow for visiting family to stay in self-contained wings.

The owners also requested a home reflecting a modern Mediterranean lifestyle, characterised by a variety of sheltered courtyard experiences

In keeping with this, the home features strong connection of the outdoor and indoor spaces, with areas that support large family gatherings or individual moments of respite and serenity.

We designed a generous kitchen that is visually and physically connected to several courtyard spaces and the ocean.

How the design was developed in response to its site and surroundings

The home is sited in Cottesloe, Western Australia and faces west to the Indian ocean.

In response, large overhangs address the requirement to shade the home.

Elegant large sliding glazing doors tuck into wall cavities, to open the home up completely to the elements for passive cooling and bring cooling sea breezes through the home and its connection to the beach.

The home references heights of the adjacent properties but avoids sheer vertical massing through a variety of deep setbacks from the street frontage.

In addition, metal screens (that slide away hidden in wall cavities when not in use) act as shade devices for the harsh afternoon sun, provide sea breeze control and street privacy when desired.

Overall functionality – including creativity and space design

Deep reveals with low seating provide opportunities to rest, or provide surfaces to house cherished objects, and act as framed views towards the ocean.

A terraced approach allows certain courtyards to feel more private while still achieving outlooks towards the ocean. At the same time, this arrangement also creates sheltered environments from the harsh coastal sea breezes.

Skylights diffuse soft light into the interiors in particular to ensuite spaces, adding to a cavernous experience.

At night, the triple skylight in the main ensuite provides the perfect opportunity to stargaze while soaking in the bathtub.

A series of sliding cavity doors allow the owners to adjust privacy of a multitude of spaces.

Aesthetics – architectural style, detailing and materials

Monochromatic colour palette with rich, spotted gum cabinetry, layered light-coloured engineered stone vanity base, and contrasting darker granite benchtop – these materials are carried throughout the house for cohesive architectural expression.

A polished concrete finish creates a serene, sculptural moment in the main staircase while the polished concrete floor finish extends between exterior and interior spaces for a blended transition between spaces.

A custom engineering solution was employed for the shallow beams that make up the elegant cantilevers.

Considered roof design avoids any visible downpipes, allowing full enjoyment of the outlook towards the ocean.

Lastly, the concealed discrete roof service deck affords opportunities for sunset cocktails.

Designed by: Craig Steere, CSA (Craig Steere Architects)

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Crib Creative