Under the spreading cedar

Designed by Andrew Bartholomeusz, SAAJ Design

From the architects:

The owner’s brief was to create a contemporary coastal home that addresses 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.

Inspired by the Modernist era, we explored a horizontal language.

A series of curved planes, stacked and slid from each other, hugs the canopy of the Himalayan Cedar tree. 

From the entry, one glides under the canopy before reaching the front door. 

From within the house, placement of the windows within the upstairs bathroom suite reveals different framed aspects of the tree; looking into the heart of the tree and experiencing the shadows cast 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 into the south facing ensuite. 

We also combined, obscure glazing and vertical battens to the south, for privacy, appearing like a frozen sheer curtain.

The circulation core of this home becomes a feature of double volume, natural light and viewing moments of adjacent spaces.

The heart of the home, kitchen, living, and dining opens itself to the north facing backyard and swimming pool, flowing seamlessly from indoor to outdoor via an operable corner window wall.

Indirect light from the swimming pool creates a theatrical shadow and a TV – like viewing window from the basement of the activities above.

At the bottom of the stairs is a massive lineal robust room for the family to have some fun – a multi-functional space to suit all members of the family; a movie theatre, games rooms, chill space or connection to the cellar for wine tasting.

To the south of the kitchen hub, resides the quieter space for home office and guest bedroom – providing views into the textural interest of the lower limbs and bark of the Himalayan Cedar tree

The floor plan resulted in the parent’s retreat / bathroom suite being located on the upper floor, viewing onto the southern street frontage. 

The children’s wing spreads across the northern elevation – each room is private, complete with their own robe, desk and shared bathroom.

An open plan parent’s suite, still provides a sense of privacy and enclosure for each activity within the suite.

With a sliding wall, one can choose to view the TV or the freestanding bath composition in the background. 

The bathroom suite operates like a private parent’s retreat.

The placement of the WIR, was considered as a practical flow in daily routines – a makeup vanity, pendant light & circular mirror centred on the entrance, connects the WIR to the ensuite.

A balanced composition of natural, subtle tones and coastal inspired hues, is finely detailed.

The material selection was practical in choice for an active family, yet sophisticated enough to create a stylish, relaxed environment for everything from immediate family fun to wider family & friends’ gatherings.

Story by: Trendsideas