Inside Out / 79INSIDE homes
Steve reduced his costs by not submitting a development
application. Instead, he ensured that his design could be approved
under the NSW state government’s complying development
controls, which are designed to fast-track projects and save money.
He also did much of the work on his own, calling on friends and
family along the way, and employing skilled trades when needed.
The result is a mid-century aesthetic, with handmade touches
and a design that’s open and relaxed, yet very clever. The new plan
separates living zones from private areas and factors in any need
for Steve and Dani to work from home – Dani is a hairdresser and
they built a salon in the garage. “It’s the perfect home for us,” he
says. “It’s modest, yet open plan with enough space to find privacy.”
A balance of warmth and clean neutral surfaces forms the
materials palette, which was primarily selected on two bases
– cost and Steve’s ability to work with it. Many materials were
either recycled or standard off-the-shelf items, and the magic
is created in their metamorphosis into something special.
To bring light into the house, it was extended slightly to the
rear and a skillion roof added to accommodate a clerestory window
and a bank of glazed sliding doors that extend the full length of
the facade. “I deliberately left the ceiling of the main living space
as exposed timber rafters – they are literally the very off-the-shelf
beams that support the roof – as a means of providing warmth to
the interior, but also to reduce costs,” says Steve.546312- Entry
- Master bedroom
- Bathroom/
laundry - Kitchen
- Dining area
- Living area
- Study/Guest
bedroom - Bathroom
- Aalto’s bedroom
- Dani’s salon
- Workshop
- Paradis’
bedroom - Deck
The internal configuration was altered to create an open-plan
kitchen, dining and living space connected to a large outdoor
living area. As well as greater daylight penetration, this opening
up of the interior facilitated cross-ventilation and sea breezes.
Double-sided joinery forms one wall of the main living area
and opens to a central hallway, providing a centralised storage
unit. It’s constructed from off-the-shelf formwork sheets in black,
which Steve also used in the kitchen and the study. Polished
concrete floors throughout continue outside, providing a seamless
transition and extending the perception of space.
The home’s exterior was refreshed with white-painted
brickwork. Timber cladding was added at the front and back
to give additional texture and visually enhance the main facades.
Steve chose recycled, mixed hardwood with a class 1 durability
that has been left to age to a silver finish. The front door also
benefits from his talent for turning something basic into bespoke.
He took an off-the-shelf door and clad it in a mix of hardwood
timber that a supplier was offloading for a mere $100.
Steve concedes he’s restless and is keen to turn another ugly
duckling into something beautiful. As an artisan who loves to
work with his hands, he is the first to admit that he’s not one
to idly sit on them. ‘I’d like to explore new ideas, taking what
I’ve learnt from this project to the next one,” he says.
ARTWORK: RIO DE JANEIRO POSTER PURCHASED FROM To see Steve’s architectural projects, visit mckarchitects.com.
MONOCLE
MAGAZINE. RUG (OPPOSITE),
NSW LEATHER CO., LEATHERCO.COM.AU. COFFEE TABLE DESIGNED BY STEVE KOOLLOOS789 10111213