houses H G
F
or Rob and Kerrie, purchasing a
small 1950s block of flats in a beach
suburb of Newcastle in 2002 was an
astute move. “It wasn’t a very
attractive property but it was solid
and a good investment,” says Kerrie. Rental
yield aside, they were thinking ahead to a
time when their corporate roles in Sydney
would be winding down. Both could
appreciate that this address, close enough
to the ocean to enjoy the lapping of waves,
would be ideal for a future sea change.
“We loved the location because of its
proximity to the beach,” says Rob, “and we
were aware that we would get ocean views
from the first floor.”
By 2013, when they approached Glen
Spicer of EJE Architecture to discuss a new
build on the site, Rob and Kerrie had a
strong sense of what they were looking
for. “We knew we wanted a main bedroom
suite and living area upstairs, lots of lightand an interesting roofline,” says Rob.
“Plus verandahs we could use in all weather
and all seasons.”
Glen visited the couple’s Sydney home to
better understand how they lived, and
responded with a two-storey design that
maximises natural light, sea breezes and
versatility of space. Outer areas on both
levels can be opened up by means of sets of
folding louvres and bifold doors, creating
indoor-outdoor spaces reminiscent of an
island resort. Around the perimeter of the
house, courtyard gardens offer views of
lush green plantings with a tropical theme.
Two frangipani trees, craned into
position on site, were flowering happily
when Ron and Kerrie moved in just before
Christmas 2015, following a build by local
firm Malman Constructions that was
completed in under 12 months. “We were
fortunate with Malman and everyone we
worked with,” says Rob. >