Many Happy Returns A Brisbane architect adds his own touch to an island weekender.
North Stradbroke Island is a short hop from Brisbane yet feels a million miles away. With a weekender like this, it’s little wonder architect Shaun Lockyer and his family make the trip time and again.
After years of weekend sojourns and family holidays, North Stradbroke Island, about three hours’ drive from Brisbane, felt like a second home for architect Shaun Lockyer, his wife Julie and their children: Josie, 19, and Eddie, 16. Shaun and Julie had long toyed with the idea of buying a property on what locals call ‘Straddie’, but the pieces never quite fell into place. In 2015, however, they were offered an architect-designed villa in a prime location before it went to market – and couldn’t resist.
“I love the work of [original architects] Donovan Hill so the idea of owning a home by them and putting my own spin on it was really exciting,” says Shaun. “The fundamentals were great, but I knew I could do more with the central courtyard and the rear of the house, which opens onto Crown land.”
The 135m2 home with four bedrooms is arranged over two levels, wrapping around an internal courtyard. To create more useable floor space in this area, Shaun decided to extend the decking almost to the boundary and cover it with a new roof, making it habitable in all weather. The result is a light-drenched indoor/outdoor room that gently eases visitors into the heart of the home. Its built-in banquettes provide ample room for lounge lizards to stretch out, and oodles of seating for the
‘The furnishings are a collection of new, recycled and serendipitous finds. Pulling them together was a fun, collaborative process of addition and subtraction.’ Shaun Lockyer
LIVING New bifolds to the rear deck are often above and opposite left wide open, effectively doubling the size of the living area. Coffee table, The Banyan Tree Furniture & Homewares. Side table, Globe West. Lamp, The Beach Furniture & Accessories.
Rug, Life Interiors. Curtains in Pegasus ‘Cavalier’ polyester-linen from James Dunlop Textiles. Curtains by Refresh Interiors. The wall lights by architects Donovan Hill are unique to the home. Painting by Michelle Caitens; paddles by local artist Jennie Truman.
Designer buy: ‘Malua’ 3.5-seater outdoor sofa, $4499, Eco Outdoor. INTERNAL COURTYARD “I am a big believer in the Modernist idea that form follows function,” says Shaun. “Screens, hanging rails, storage and so on are all integrated into the design, which works really well and looks terrific.”
family’s frequent guests. “Creating a good flow through what is otherwise a very small home was critical,” says Shaun. “We have up to nine people staying at times, so flexibility was important, too.”
The Lockyers’ desire for a “casual, robust and relaxing” retreat shines through in every aspect of the design. The materials – spotted gum, ceramic tiles, stainless steel and outdoor fabrics – are lovely to look at, hard-wearing and conveniently easy-care. As well as the built-in furniture, there are various tables, chairs and floor cushions that can be arranged to suit any social situation.
Shaun says he and Julie had an idea of what the interiors should look like and asked his colleague, Lucy Jeffries, to help pull them together. “The furnishings are a collection of new, recycled and serendipitous finds,” says Shaun. “It was a fun, collaborative process of addition and subtraction on Pinterest boards, culminating in final, more strategic selections.” New artworks have completed the picture.
It’s been two years since the family settled on the island and there’s no turning back. “We come here as often as possible, on most weekends as well as an extended break over Christmas ,” says Shaun .“I love every aspect of the house, especially the way it deals with the seasons and copes with groups. It’s such an inviting and relaxed place to be.” Shaun Lockyer Architects, Newstead, Queensland; (07) 3257 7288 or lockyerarchitects.com.au.
‘I love every aspect of the house, especially the way it deals with the seasons and copes with groups. It’s such an inviting and relaxed place to be.’ Shaun
MAIN BEDROOM An eye-catching artwork by Robert Moore is the hero here. Lamp, The Beach Furniture & Accessories. Side table, Globe West. Existing wall light. UPSTAIRS BATHROOM The green shower tiles – an original feature – informed the size, shape and laying pattern of the tiles in the courtyard. For similar, try Perini.
DECK Thanks to new built-in seating, there’s room for everyone to enjoy sunset drinks in comfort. Timber coffee table, The Banyan Tree Furniture & Homewares. White side tables, both Adairs.
Smart buy: Bench seat cushions with ‘Quill’ polyolefin fabric in #315, $48/m, Woven Image. For Where to Buy, see page 188.