The Clovelly headlands in Sydney’s east is home to the picturesque Australian waterfront landscape that the city is renowned for. Drawing inspiration from the iconic coastline, Sydney-based design studio, Tom Mark Henry have created a residential project that epitomises contemporary seaside living.
Clovelly House signifies Tom Mark Henry’s passion for genuine and exceptional design with a human-centric approach. Working closely with the clients, the residence is a true reflection of the joy in their everyday routine and lifestyle of living by the water. As long-time residents of the area, it was crucial for this particular house to take in consideration of the surroundings. Clovelly House celebrates the unique locality with a home that brings the residents’ personality to the forefront of the design.
Situated on a 350sqm site, the presence of captivating landscaping against the zinc cladding structure is visible from the street – a dynamic element of the studio’s meticulous eye for detailing and craftsmanship. The large custom timber door frames the entrance to the house, capturing the essence of openness by the coast. Light-filled and airy, the foyer welcomes the resident home, transcending them into a space of relaxation that speaks to the ethereal spirit of Clovelly.
The material palette is drawn from the paradisal tones of the sea, earthy shades of the surroundings and the raw textures of the cliffside. Marble, timber, concrete and terrazzo are used consistently throughout the home, creating a cohesive narrative of sophistication and warmth. This curated approach to materiality ensures durability and timelessness, a longevity of design which is central to the Tom Mark Henry ethos. Orchestrated in layers of humble textures and calmingly neutral tones, Tom Mark Henry embellished the home in custom joinery, handmade tiles, bathroom terrazzo detailing and opulent marble that encapsulates a sense of sophisticated softness for this beachfront sanctuary.
Located on the first floor, the dining and living spaces are meticulously placed to maximise the ocean views and natural ventilation of the seaside breeze. The home is built upon the open and inviting atmosphere within the kitchen. As soon as the front door is opened, the line between the indoor and outdoors spaces are blurred all the way through to the kitchen area at the backend of house’s footprint, inviting the soul of the coast into the home. A touch of elegance sits atop the marble kitchen island – a Zip HydroTap in a luxe Chrome finish. Elevating the terrazzo-tiled floor and deep tones of natural timber, the Zip HydroTap delivers instant filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling water to nourish the body and revitalise the mind. The perfect addition for a home designed for long summer days, the Zip HydroTap keeps hydration front and centre without sacrificing on the refined tonal and material palette of the interiors.
Tom Mark Henry pays respects to the surrounding environment of the eastern suburbs with the exquisiteness of Clovelly House – a home that explores the coastal cool aesthetic through tonality and texture in its uniquely Australian form. A homage to the quintessential beach house, Tom Mark Henry tells the story of living well through simplicity, artistry and the coast.
Tom Mark Henry
tommarkhenry.studio
Photography by Damien Bennett.
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