QUIET CONTEMPLATION

Sometimes deliberate separation is the secret to escape. In this beautifully conceived Brisbane home, the owners decided against an open-plan layout in favour of defined spaces, such as this serene sitting room. The thoughtfully crafted timber floor and opening glass ‘walls’ create a timeless impression and encourage a slow, contemplative pace. “The house was intended as a second residence for a retired couple who divide their time between the city and coast,” says architect Sandy Cavill, director of Cavill Architects.

“The owners now spend the majority of their time here, because it offers them the sanctuary they sought.” cavillarchitects.com

A breezy connection to a private garden provides a point of departure.