Light, Minimal Approach
Newcastle Herald
Saturday August 19, 2000
MOVING from a federation home furnished with antiques to a 'boutique' beachfront terrace has been an exercise in downsizing for two residents of Newcastle East.
When three of their four children had left home, they bought an old timber terrace on a large block, subdivided and built a modern duplex, with one side for rent.
They took up residence in January and are surprised at how spacious their smaller home feels.
The difficulty has been in decorating, deciding which of their prized pieces to retrieve from storage. The only antiques to be installed so far are the rosewood bed (minus its dressing table and wardrobe), desk and chair and upright piano, with some debate about whether the grand piano should be slung over the balcony.
What they have opted for instead is a minimalist modern look to suit the light, bright surrounds.
Light and natural airflow were the main considerations in designing the two-storey duplex, which is far from imposing.
'I didnt want one of those big boxes built right to the boundaries of the block that infringed on the houses behind,' the owner said.
'Plus, I needed a bit of garden where I could enjoy being outside. What we have here is a six-metre wide terrace, but it feels much more spacious than that.'
The building's exterior is cement render in a sandstone pink with black aluminium windows and doors and charcoal garage doors and paving.
The interior is opal white, with a feature wall upstairs and down in a blue/green called Studio Grey, with a recessed area in a creamy yellow called Fawn.
The stylish entry is a curved portico with a wall of glass bricks, quartz pebbles underfoot and a recessed arched shelf displaying shells.
The front door is olive green and glass, leading into a foyer of black marble tiles and ground cement, which then opens onto a communal computer area. Doors lead off this area
Continued on Page 16
From Page 15
into the garage, laundry and second bathroom, all of which have clear skylights.
The high skylight is a standout feature of the striking modern black and white bathroom.
Black marble tiles are used on the floor and white mosaics on the walls with a black rectangle feature.
There is a long marble bench in black and white and an almost transparent solid glass shower panel.
The foyer steps up to a bedroom and study, both carpeted with biscuit sisal.
These rooms open onto a paved rear courtyard, a cosy trap for winter sun.
The study doubles as a piano teaching area, and is divided from the foyer by an interesting opaque glass wall, which at night allows a silhouette effect from the foyer.
Stairs in honey-toned spotted gum and nautical wire lead up to the open-plan living area that is dominated by a spectacular view of the Cowrie Hole.
Glass doors open onto the front terracotta-tiled deck and sheer weave blinds block 80% of light and heat but none of the view.
Floorboards and kitchen bench tops are also spotted gum, but the owners chose the blonder European beech timber for their dining setting and entertainment cabinet.
A Moran charcoal leather lounge and octagonal rug are the only other substantial furnishings.
'I really wanted an uncluttered look, with nothing on surfaces,' the owners said, and some secret storage in the garage and under the stairs has made this possible. The kitchen has a discreet walk-in pantry and integrated fridge, making the stainless steel Ilvie cooker and rangehood the feature.
The main bedroom steps up from the kitchen and is separated by a three-quarter wall. It is carpeted with sisal and has an ensuite with corner spa. More opulent marble tiles in off-white and terracotta pink have been used in this bathroom. A small balcony overlooks the rear courtyard.
A clever design feature of the top floor is the ring of clerestory windows, about a third
louvred, which let in light from all directions day and night.
Add to this a dozen or more downlights ('like little twinkling stars') and well-placed semi-circular and oval wall lights and the home presents a dazzling light show.
In fact, the way the light plays on different walls at different times is one of the most appealing aspects of this home.
The owners may be without many of their treasured possessions, but they have found much to treasure in their beachside abode.
© 2000 Newcastle Herald
Share This