This home is used as a creative space and mental health retreat for artists.
Taking inspiration from a simple beachside shack, the brief was to create a space that provided only the essentials, somewhere to cook, rest and connect with the outdoors.
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A large mural adorns the side, an homage to the Artist Agency roots of the client.
The home is located in a bush fire attack level area and all external materials are non-combustible, with a fibre cement cladding, and a rusted metal deck known as corten, a very durable material designed to rust in the coastal corrosive environment, creating a brilliant bold orange colour contrast to the blue of the ocean and the green of the landscape.
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The entrance to the house is via a large sliding glass door that leads straight into the main living area. The interior is a minimal and calming space with a light lime-washed ply interior.
Built to passive house principles, the home has an air-tight envelope with high insulation levels in the floors, walls, and ceilings.
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The main living area is tiled with light grey porcelain tiles and features a custom-designed banquette seat that folds down to become a double bed. The kitchen which sits just off the living room has just the essentials, a bar fridge, a benchtop oven, an induction cooktop, and plenty of storage for food.
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Used radiator pine with a lime wash has been used for cabinetry and shelving, with the bench top a white laminate. Handles are all made out of neoprene rubber.
Immediately on the other side of the kitchen, and also off the living room is a generous bathroom that can be entered from the outdoors when bodies are wet and sandy. The vanity is made from marine ply and a heat recovery ventilation system creates fresh filtered air to protect against mold and condensation.
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The staircase is made from locally sourced hardwood timber and leads to the master bedroom. Underneath the stairs, there is more storage and a day bed. The master bedroom enjoys very high ceilings thanks to the vaulted ceilings, and the south-facing windows open to encourage the ocean breeze to ventilate the whole home.
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There are no ceiling lights, there is ample daylight thanks to the generous windows during the day, and in the evening, a system of concealed LED wall lights provides task-specific ambiance.
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By keeping the house small, the impact on the environment through material use and energy demands is minimised. By incorporating passive house principles, Pullar has created a really comfortable, small home that is energy efficient, cosy, and comfortable.