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“Architecture and sculpture are both about breaking norms,” says Winka Dubbeldam, designer.

1. View from the Pool Deck & Pergola area down to the Reventazon River valley landscape

A large roof deck with a cedar pergola and pedestal pavers make the third floor a perfect entertaining space.

Custom stools can be pulled out to create a dining space. A wood pergola surrounds the table.

A view of the entry from outside. One enters the house from under a pergola of wisteria, and is immediately within a house of light. A large skylight over the wall at the end of the entry serves as both an art wall, and a way of welcoming you with light in a formerly dark area.

Architect Nic Brunsdon renovated an original heritage cottage for a young family in the suburbs of Perth, Australia. The 3,229-square-foot home includes a sunken “garden room” with large sliding doors that connect the interior gathering space to a sunny green courtyard.

The Brutalist estate is south-facing and placed on a steep lot, giving the home access to natural light. “During lockdown three, we were trapped at home with our beautiful cats, lounging the whole time, learning the way the sunlight would move through the space,” says Grimshaw.

A look back at the atrium on the left and the foyer on the right—sleek, built-in storage lines the entry on one side, opposite a two-sided fireplace.

The design team restored the brickwork and copper fireplace hood to their former glory.

Living room

A globe-like pendant suspends from the stepped Douglas Fir ceiling in the living room.

Now, the kitchen sits at the front of the building, and the counter runs beneath the preserved windows. Built-in shelves frame the view.

The team removed the dropped ceiling and attic above to expose the tongue-and-groove paneling and the supports at the roof. A Swan Chair by Fritz Hansen sits with the client’s sofa and USM media cabinet.

The home was gutted in the remodel, and the living spaces were oriented to take better advantage of the existing window plan.

“We took a fair bit of influence from American Arts and Crafts houses, particularly in L.A., but with everything, I like to have a very Brisbane-centric end product,” says Wrightson.

The new kitchen is outfitted with white oak cabinetry by Ramon Padilla, Trias counter stools and a La Cornue oven and range.