A Crisp, New Home Rises Around an Existing Pool in Australia
This Brisbane cottage was completely redesigned and expanded to make the best of an existing pool on the property.
Australian architect Salvador Farrajota teamed up with his friend Brayden Larkin, founder of builder Zephyr Industries, to help him and his wife Jess create a simple, low-maintenance, 4,090-square-foot family home that’s ideal for entertaining their family and friends.
Two white, triangular forms are hinged together by a black, central corner with a glazed entry.
Courtesy of Andy Macpherson
The Larkins found the site in the Brisbane surburb of Wavell Heights. It had an existing cottage, located close to the street, with a large setback at the northern boundary that was ideal for subdividing—and able to accommodate a new build at the rear.
"Once subdivided, we were left with two pad levels to work with, as the rear section of the site was raised with an existing pool," says Larkin. "The new house was to be designed split-level, and around this pool."
A glazed door offers a peek into the home and provides a break from the black-and-white exterior.
Courtesy of Andy Macpherson
"The main challenge was access via the narrow driveway easement—particularly as the concrete truck wasn't able to reverse in, so the concrete had to be pumped a long way to the slabs," says Farrajota.
Courtesy of Andy Macpherson
The garage doors are finished in the same painted cedar cladding as the external walls, helping them seamlessly blend in.
Courtesy of Andy Macpherson
The new program now includes large, open-plan living and entertainment spaces oriented towards the pool; a separate, private area for the bedrooms; and a large garage.
Polished concrete floors were used for the lower level, and durable wool carpet was used on the upper level.
Courtesy of Andy Macpherson
Flush-set plasterboard walls and ceilings reflect the clean, white weatherboard cladding used externally.
Courtesy of Andy Macpherson
"The house itself is almost completely hidden form the street; however, the black driveway, entry gate, and street signage denote their own section of streetscape, drawing the eye down the long access driveway to the two-story, weatherboard- and timber-clad form of the gym and guest bedroom above," says Farrajota.
The kitchen, which features Smartstone engineered quartz countertops in Calacutta Blanco, hides a walk-in pantry.
Courtesy of Andy Macpherson
Alspec Aluminum and Dowell Windows products facilitate a strong indoor/outdoor connection.
Courtesy of Andy Macpherson
Architect Salvador Farrajota chats with homeowner and builder Brayden Larkin.
Courtesy of Andy Macpherson
Timeless and cost-effective materials like concrete and timber combine with white surfaces on the interior, complementing the simplicity of the facade.
Salvador Farrajota and Brayden Larkin sit on the concrete stairs that lead up to the living areas.
Courtesy of Andy Macpherson
The concrete stairs and burnished concrete floors throughout are complemented with Tasmanian Oak stair treads and balustrade details.
Courtesy of Andy Macpherson
Forty-six feet of bi-fold glazing fully open up the living spaces and bar to the existing pool and lawn. Though surrounded by neighboring houses, the site itself enjoys a good level of privacy thanks to palm trees to the north and west.
In the kitchen and bar, gold elements and fixtures break up crisp, white surfaces.
Courtesy of Andy Macpherson
A separate bar looks to the gazebo and pool, and hides a powder room.
Courtesy of Andy Macpherson
Upstairs, the private spaces comprise four bedrooms and a separate lounge.
Courtesy of Andy Macpherson
According to Farrajota, the floor plan resulted from a simple and logical allocation of spaces: public areas are located on the existing, raised pool pad; the garage and service areas sit on the ground level; and the private rooms are above the service areas, separate but connected to the public areas via a concrete-and-timber entry stairway.
Shop the Look
The Citizenry La Calle Throw
Deep charcoal hue. Intricately woven pattern. This hand-loomed alpaca throw instantly elevates the look of any couch or bed. Not to mention, it’s incredibly soft and warm – so, go on and cozy up. Handwoven by master artisans in a quiet mountain village in the Peruvian Andes, each throw takes about a week to complete. All made exclusively in a fair trade environment. Note: Alpaca wool is hypoallergenic, so this throw is ideal for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
ShopArtemide Tolomeo Mega Floor Lamp
Whether adjusting for height, length or tilt, the Artemide Tolomeo Mega Floor Lamp does it all. Designed by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina, this floor lamp features an extruded and anodized aluminum articulated arm structure in a brilliantly polished finish. Offered with a Pale Grey Satin with Polycarbonate Fiber or Parchment shade.
ShopThe ensuite master bedroom has a wrap-around wardrobe.
Courtesy of Andy Macpherson
Dark, full-height tiles create a dramatic backdrop in the twin shower room.
Courtesy of Andy Macpherson
Bayview TCE floor plan drawing
The Artificial
Project Credits:
Architecture: The Artificial /@theartificial
Builder: Zephyr Industries / @zephyr.industries
Structural and civil engineering: BG Group
Landscape, lighting, cabinetry, and interior design: The Artificial and Zephyr Industries
Artwork: Leigh Gordon
Photography: Andy Macpherson; @andymacphersonstudio
Published
Last Updated