“Standing in the kitchen, looking out to the living area, you’re wowed by the fireplace and massive central void. We wanted this space to overlook the whole house and be functional but aesthetically bold”
Beckoning enticingly from a sleepy pocket of the Gold Coast, within strolling distance of natural playground and swimming spot Tallebudgera Creek and Burleigh Point, the house that JTech Design & Construct owner Josh Torney and his wife Joelle Setiawan brought to life is an undeniable showstopper. With its tantalising interplay of lines, angles and tactile materials, the home’s dramatic facade hints at a world of possibilities beyond the front door. And for the parents-of-one, as well as the home’s building designer, Surfers Paradise-based Reece Keil, it’s exactly this double-take reaction from intrigued passers-by that they were hoping to achieve.
“Our vision was to bring a new level of design to the area
– a very bold statement to the street front by creating mass and volume but still keeping a soft, floating feel that draws you in and through the house,” says Josh. “The home captures you and takes you on a journey.” Reece concurs, adding: “The built form of the home is such that it dominates the street with its sharp architectural lines and textured wall surfaces, offering everchanging surface shadowing as the sun moves from east to west.”
Encased by coastal greenery, the compact 530-square-metre block on which the 420-square-metre home rises was formerly occupied by a little 1960s pink-brick cottage. “We loved that the site has a north-east aspect and is surrounded by national park – it’s the perfect backdrop to watch the sunset over the tree line,” says Josh. “Reece and I were very passionate about the project and had a combined vision from the start.”
In fact, Josh and Reece took determining the site’s prime orientation to a new level – in more ways than one – at the beginning of the planning process. “I told Josh I’d meet him on his site on Monday afternoon if he brought a ladder and some beers,” says Reece. “Come Monday afternoon, we climbed up on the roof of the original home and shared a six-pack of beer while we studied the aspect as the sun went down. The neighbours were confused, to say the least,” he says, adding with a laugh, “but the rest is history!”
Due to this great early communication, Josh and Reece had a similar vision from the outset. “We wanted to build a unique family-friendly entertainer that completely maximised the small site, with an architectural aesthetic of mixed materials unlike any other in the area,” says Reece.
And as the works began in earnest, an especially joyous reason to meet the deadlines presented itself. “Joelle and I had our baby girl, Cedar, the day before the demolition of the original house,” says Josh. “Which was very positive motivation to complete the project and create a place to call home.”
(this page and opposite) “I like the fact that the house is unexpected — its look, its layout and its finishes,” says Joelle. “The breakfast bar and timber mouldings are Cirque Tasmanian Oak from Porta, and we used Smartstone Premium Plus in Ash Naturale from Stone Corp for the tops.” Smeg appliances have been integrated into the custom cabinetry by local company P&J Cabinets. The finish is Honey Elm in Nuance by Laminex, which was also used in the open butler’s pantry (top). LANDING (above) On the first floor is a large corner window that illuminates the staircase and upper level. Sitting daintily on the Balmain Oak herringbone flooring is a thinly framed Kiyo Slouch chair from April & Oak. Vase from an artisan market. The wall colour is Dulux Lexicon Half.
And that they did. For despite its bold design, this is a house that was created first and foremost for liveability. It was important to everyone to strike a balance between the two. “While the outside is very structurally architectural, we wanted the inside to feel relaxed and homely,” says Joelle, who looks after interior design and staging for JTech.
Inside and out, the generous use of timber, stone and exposed brickwork lends a sense of warmth and laidback style to the airy living domains. Expansive walls of glass and sliding glazed doors to the alfresco zone and pool create an easy connection with the sunny outdoors, filling the home with life-affirming daylight.
“We incorporated a lot of corner windows because they let so much light into the house, as well as really capturing the surroundings,” says Joelle. “There is so much greenery in the local hills, and it’s lovely to be able to enjoy those views from the house. It makes you feel as though you’re in your own little oasis in the suburbs.”
When it came to the interiors, Joelle happily took charge, further softening the home’s angular lines, soaring ceilings and robust finishes with an eclectic mix of furnishings and artwork, beginning with the beautiful internal flooring in Balmain Oak herringbone from Floor Distributors. The soft and sandy palette perfectly references the beach location. “The style is modern coastal,” says Joelle. “I wanted to incorporate lots of organic materials, such as linen and rattan, in different textures and colours that complement each other. I do love natural textures, and tend to go for an earthy look and feel. This is a summery house, and yet it’s also lovely in winter with the open fireplace.”
Joelle and Josh have relished seeing their vision come to life, but they’re ready to embark on a new chapter, just in time for the festive season. “We recently sold this place and will start building all over again,” says Joelle. “We would love to find a block in Burleigh, but we’re open to Palm Beach or Currumbin and will know it when the right block comes along! Of course, it is a little bittersweet to move on, as we do have an emotional connection to the house. But it’s lovely to know that another family is going to enjoy it this Christmas. It’s a home that’s perfect for entertaining, and also just for relaxing every day.”
See more of JTech Design & Construct’s high-end projects at jtechdc.com.au or @jtech_dc. Reece Keil’s work can be viewed at reecekeildesign.com.au or @reecekeildesign