Strong biophilic principles grounded by the use of sandy-toned coloured concrete present a juxtaposition of ideas in this coastal home; there’s a natural drama to it that’s equally calming in its allure.
The clients sought a sense of coastal sophistication; an international design language and artisanal sensitivity. “We were drawn in by how our senses were initially stimulated when visiting the site,” explains Sean Monk from Rarebirds Interiors.
“The shoreline seabirds in chorus with the lapping waves; the sky, beach, and ocean palette shifting with the light. The gentle ocean breeze that at times grew energetic, carrying the smell of salt and sea. This emotive experience needed to be mirrored in our design response through crafted forms, a subtly layered colour palette, and the integrity of our material choices.
“We wanted to create the sensation that the distinctly framed bay in front almost ebbed into the home at high tide, while at low tide the home would feel as if it reached outward, extending into the sand.”
In response to the angular architectural envelope, it was essential that all interior design elements and details would take on natural, organic forms — a nod to the driftwood, rock formations, sand, and shell shapes in view from the site. “We used a warm, sandy-toned coloured concrete [PeterFell 162] for the floors, which initiated our biophilic design journey, and created a magical connection to the sandy bay.”
The coloured concrete runs throughout, a subtle but powerful base for a considered collection of textural materials: charred cedar, warm sandy white walls, smoked oak cabinetry, living-finish brass tapware, and Taj Mahal quartzite.
“Being able to select a specific colour from the PeterFell range allowed us to perfectly echo the tones of the coast, and ground the materiality with warmth. The warmth of the colour itself, coupled with underfloor heating, allows the experience of both visual and tactile warmth.”
PeterFell 162 is part of the Special Neutral range. Its honeyed creamy brown tone is at once subtle and striking; the perfect accoutrement to a seaside setting.
