A landmark Coledale property, this stunning new home was designed by architect Mike Vail and built by local craftsmen to bring the beauty and tranquility of the natural environment into every corner, creating an intimate connection to the surrounding rainforest setting.
Cosy yet generous, the design balances the compact footprint with soaring ceilings. The minimalist lines are enhanced by the organic textures of natural materials, creating a home that nurtures and heals as it breathes with nature. A three minute walk to Sharkey Beach and a short stroll to Coledale and Austinmer, the house was featured in the Illawarra Festival of Architecture and Design 2023 and was a finalist in the Houses Award, 2022.
Matching comfort with sustainability, the thermally-efficient design is cool in summer and warm in winter. The massive double-glazed walls slide away in warmer months, turning the home into a Japanese-inspired open pavilion, hovering above the creek. In the cooler months, the central double-sided wood-burner provides a heart that fills the home with warmth.
The kitchen features a sleek, Arabescato stone countertop with built-in Swiss appliances and integrated refrigerator whilst the outside entertaining area creates a sheltered and private al fresco dining space, with the sounds of the surf reminding you just how close you are to the water's edge.
The spacious 'Onsen-style' bathroom offers a deeply relaxing experience, featuring a zen aesthetic and enhanced by views into the surrounding treetops. With the bedrooms sitting high in the tree canopy, you'll fall asleep to the sound of frogs in the creek and wake up to the sight of birds hopping through the branches at your window.
A discrete and sheltered residence under 100m from Sharkey Beach
Regenerated rainforest site with a sheltered low-maintenance garden
Hand-crafted with recycled timber-frames, double-glazed windows and doors
House transitions into a fully open or fully screened and private home
French wood
