ENDLESS SUMMER
Bright, airy and surrounded by greenery, this new Perth abode is as relaxed as the family who call it home
Bright, airy and sustainable design was top of the list for this beach-loving family’s new home
For Kylee and Richard, light is the star, and the fact that their house basks in natural light wins them over time and again. “Even in the evenings, the moon lights up the hallway, so we don’t have the need to turn on many lights,” says Kylee. “It’s defifinitely one of our favourite aspects of the home.”
When discussing with architect Philippa Mowbray their vision for the striking new build in one of Perth’s prettiest coastal suburbs, the couple requested a bright, airy and sustainable design. Happily, Philippa delivered on all counts. “The raw materials reflflect the beachside location,” says Philippa. “They’ll blend, fade and soften naturally. The house will become a dynamic part of the nature that surrounds it. We carefully considered the approach to the home, the relationship between public and private spaces, and the balance between visually connecting rooms and allowing for privacy – we used sliding doors to achieve this.”
Perched on an elevated site with magical views of the Darling Scarp mountain range, the eco-friendly design includes rainwater harvesting, solar-panel systems, energy-effificient hydronic flfloor heating and flfloor-to-ceiling double glazing. “Both Kylee and I grew up on farms using rainwater and generators, so we wanted to be as self-suffificient as possible,” says Richard. “We also wanted to feel connected to the outdoors. It was important to have an open house with lots of ceiling fans, allowing the sea breeze to flflow in and reducing the need for air-conditioning.”
Before settling on the decision to build a new house, the family had been living streets away in a period home. “We had done everything we could to that house but had outgrown it,” says Kylee. “We were a bedroom short and wanted a garden and a pool. At the same time, we didn’t want to build an ultra-modern
home, but one that would stand the test of time, age well and be an easy-living house. Hopefully, we’ve achieved that.”
Built by Mosman Bay Construction and featuring interior design by Malvina Stone, the home celebrates the laid-back lifestyle of coastal Perth. Located just 600 metres from the beach, the sound of the ocean is another joy that Kylee and Richard don’t take for granted. What the couple love most about their home is the welcome it often presents to those who visit.
“We wanted a house that wasn’t too precious, with a great flflow, inside and out,” says Richard. “We love the fact that this is a very forgiving home. It’s fantastic in summer – the kids are always splashing away in the pool or racing around the garden.” Adds Kylee: “We’re a very practical family and love having friends over, as well as spending time at the beach. Our boys surf every day, and Richard and I walk Matilda on the beach just after 5am, and are back to get the kids off to school,” she says. “It’s such a beautiful time to be there, before the crowds arrive, and grabbing a coffee on the way back gets the day off to an even better start. We feel very much a part of where we live.”
The house speaks clearly of the family who call it home. “We do hope this will be the place our kids grow up in,” says Kylee. “It’s hard to imagine ever leaving it behind.” To see more of Philippa’s work, visit philippamowbrayarchitects.com. Reach interior designer Malvina Stone at malvinastone@hotmail.com and fifind out more about the builder at mosmanbayconstruction.com.au.