Outdoors

By the pool, a wide range of plants create interesting variation in heights, textures, and shapes. Since Sydney can be prone to bushfires during dry seasons, the pathways and pool fencing were built with non-flammable materials.

Vintage French doors open to a new lanai surrounded by custom screen doors designed by the project architect, Studio West. The dining table and chairs put the “modern” in John’s self-described “modern gnostic nouveau” style.

The courtyard and open-air kitchen are the home’s hub, where Ernesto’s guests can convene for meals he prepares using local ingredients. “There is an incredible amount of produce in the area. It’s the simple things,” he says. Ellen designed the table and benches, which are surrounded by plantings added to the property.

The home sits at the end of a quiet, gravel road just 325-yards from the ocean. A board-formed concrete wall along the entry path hints at what is indoors.

The yard feels secluded thanks to solid fencing and a buffer of dense greenery. Benches by Angel City Lumber, stacked on stones and all from Molly’s home state of Oregon, create a seating moment to look back at a towering cork oak tree. The pavers and Adirondack chairs are all from OR.CA

The original driveway was dangerous and impractical due to the steep terrain. The architects designed a new route that slopes gently away from the street and toward a two-car garage and parking court.

"Having committed to the courtyard idea, we had to then refine it and study the many plan configurations possible around it," says Joe. "We looked to the traditional riad courtyard houses of Morocco—houses with lush, shady courtyards which have a strong sense of interiority, coupled with severe exteriors to street. We then layered other ideas such the notion of an ‘adaptable house’ and the somewhat contradictory idea of being able to open the entire living area direct to the sidewalk."

A deck steps down from the kitchen to an outdoor dining area in the garden.