Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Making Family Memories at a Holiday House Getaway
Materials, textures and colours create an intrinsic connection to place and set the scene to make family memories
Holidays are a time that families come together and make valuable lasting memories. Situated between the sea and the bush, this holiday house has an idyllic position in Avoca on the NSW Central Coast. Architecture Saville Isaacs referenced this unique location through materials, textures and colours to create an intrinsic connection to place for making cherished family memories.
The two-storey abode appears as a one-storey home when viewed from the street, with a skillion roof that floats up into the tree canopy. “The design responds to the challenges of the east-west orientation, with the roof tipped up to the north to capture winter sun, and deep covered verandahs front and back, furnished as outdoor rooms,” says Taliano.
Dreaming of a bespoke home? Find an architect near you on Houzz to bring your vision to life
Dreaming of a bespoke home? Find an architect near you on Houzz to bring your vision to life
Living spaces are located on this first floor with easy access to the garage and carport at the side of the house, the garden and swimming pool at the front, and a large covered balcony at the rear. There are indoor and outdoor spaces for lounging, dining and playing, including a rumpus room for the kids.
Five bedrooms downstairs include two bunk rooms to accommodate up to 14 people. An outdoor play area extends along the north of the house and flows out to the terraced garden.
Open and covered outdoor spaces accommodate varying uses for all members of the family. At the front of the house is an alfresco dining space, a lawn, swimming pool and a forecourt.
Timber-slat screens define the edges of the alfresco dining area, and a built-in timber bench provides additional seating or a relaxed place to read.
Side tables: Mark Tuckey
Side tables: Mark Tuckey
A screened breezeway stretches across the northern edge of the house on the first floor, connecting front and back outdoor spaces and offering views from the interior to the outdoors.
“This creates complete transparency and enables a seamless transition to all areas,” says Taliano. “Windows, doors and the timber screen are carefully positioned to frame headland and ocean views or the surrounding bush.”
The barbecue is built into the breezeway where it can be seen and easily accessed from the kitchen and dining areas.
The barbecue is built into the breezeway where it can be seen and easily accessed from the kitchen and dining areas.
The breezeway facade morphs into operable pivoting screens that allow for sun control and privacy from the road and neighbours, while still enabling access to the view.
Architecture Saville Isaacs focused on robust materials and simple finishes to design a low-maintenance home for a casual and relaxed lifestyle. They chose materials for their longevity, durability and tactility, which are able to withstand wear and tear and complement the surrounding environment.
Architecture Saville Isaacs focused on robust materials and simple finishes to design a low-maintenance home for a casual and relaxed lifestyle. They chose materials for their longevity, durability and tactility, which are able to withstand wear and tear and complement the surrounding environment.
“We used cost-effective, common, locally produced materials in innovative ways with their raw beauty providing the sense of luxury,” says Taliano. This includes polished concrete for the upper-level floor and waxed recycled wire-brushed tallowwood on the stairs, lower-level floor and screen walls. Radially sawn plantation timber is used externally, and the home’s floors, walls, roof and ceilings are heavily insulated for thermal comfort and energy efficiency.
Sunshine-yellow accents animate the interiors and contribute to the fun, laid-back holiday vibe.
Loop dining table, oak side chair and Thonet bentwood chair: Mark Tuckey; Mud pendant: Koskela
Loop dining table, oak side chair and Thonet bentwood chair: Mark Tuckey; Mud pendant: Koskela
The living area is both cosy and spacious, focused on the fireplace and enjoying a view of the bushland and bay.
Highgate sofa upholstered in buttery leather: Koskela
Highgate sofa upholstered in buttery leather: Koskela
A second living area is on the covered east-facing terrace where it is surrounded by bushland.
Box day bed: Mark Tuckey; Date palm mat: Koskela
Box day bed: Mark Tuckey; Date palm mat: Koskela
Opening up the front and rear of the house provides views, transparency and fluid movement throughout.
Its open quality also allows for passive surveillance to keep an eye on the kids, and provides cross ventilation to help cool the house in summer.
The kitchen is in the centre of the first floor where it is easily accessible from all dining and living spaces, and enables communication between all areas of the house.
The kitchen island is cleverly integrated with the staircase. Timber slats rise up from downstairs and fold over the staircase with the island bench on top.
“It offers a strong connection between the levels, which is visually emphasised with the timber, contrasting against the concrete floor and white walls,” says Taliano.
From below, the timber slats appear to cascade downstairs, as if suspended from the kitchen island.
Browse more unique staircase designs to inspire your own
Browse more unique staircase designs to inspire your own
Architecture Saville Isaacs achieved the intricate detailing through a close collaboration with the builder, DRW Constructions.
The simple and relaxed timber-and-white palette continues in the bedrooms downstairs. Floor-to-ceiling windows create the feel of being in a tree house.
Circular packing-crate mirror: Mark Tuckey; Mud pendants: Koskela
Circular packing-crate mirror: Mark Tuckey; Mud pendants: Koskela
A trestle table serves as a small desk with a northern view through the trees to the bay.
Hoarding-box timber desk and Eames DAW chair: Mark Tuckey
Hoarding-box timber desk and Eames DAW chair: Mark Tuckey
The master ensuite has a mirrored wall, double vanity and outdoor shower for an element of luxury for the parents to enjoy.
In a second bedroom, the cubic timber headboard and night stand complement the lines of the staircase.
Bed and side tables: Mark Tuckey
Bed and side tables: Mark Tuckey
There are two bunk rooms with custom bunk beds, accommodating four children per room. Each has a direct connection to the outdoor play area and garden at the northern side of the house.
As a touch of whimsy, pebble-like tiles on the wall of the bathroom evoke the feel of being on holiday, creating the intrinsic connection to place that the house enjoys.
Your turn
What do you love about this holiday home? Tell us in the Comments, save your favourite images, like this story, and join the conversation.
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Your turn
What do you love about this holiday home? Tell us in the Comments, save your favourite images, like this story, and join the conversation.
More
Missed our last Houzz Tour? Catch up here with UK Houzz Tour: A Dated 1980s Home Gets a Very Unusual Extension
Who lives here: A young family with four children holiday here
Location: Avoca, NSW
Size: 270 square metres with five bedrooms and three bathrooms
Architecture and interior design: Architecture Saville Isaacs
Builder: DRW Constructions
“The aim was to create a peaceful and healthy environment for our client where everyday living is a joy and every simple function gives pause to reflect, connecting to the surrounding nature,” says Adam Taliano of Architecture Saville Isaacs.
The house is located on a sloping site in Avoca with the rear of the house facing east, for a view through the trees to the sea.