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Issue 59 - The Life Outside Issue

Issue 59

The Life Outside Issue

Introducing the Life Outside issue of Habitus magazine. With life increasingly being absorbed into a digital space, there is never a more important moment to hold something tangible. In this context, the power of nature to have a physiological impact on our sense of wellbeing has never been more important. So how can we cultivate the benefits of the our natural environment in the most intimate of places – our homes? This was the question that helped to bring this issue of Habitus to life.

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A Coastal Retreat In Byron Bay
HomesAndrew McDonald

A Coastal Retreat In Byron Bay

Australia

The serenity of New South Wales’ Byron Bay is difficult to ignore – and for Mac Design Studio, this presented an opportunity for residential gold.


A coastal retreat; a place to relax; a home to appreciate the beauty of nature with a design to match – this was the brief Mac Design Studio was working with when they were creating the Byron Bay home, overlooking Coopers Shoot.

Built with an emphasis on alfresco living, the home is a country retreat away from the noise and feeling of the city, so an emphasis on the beauty of the surroundings was key to achieving this feeling.

“The property is advantageously positioned high up in the hinterland, with stunning views across the district in the direction of the ocean,” says Alan MacMahon, creative director and founder of Mac Design Studio, “Redefining the entry space was key to the overall project, with the goal being to create a real sense of arrival to the property. A new sandstone walkway leads you down a curved pathway to the front entrance of the property where you are greeted by large glazed doors connecting the exterior with the entrance hall.

“The entrance area was clad in wall panelling which leads you into the interior and up into a double height volume to the first floor. The white panelling, rich in texture, is offset by bleached herringbone floors and the space is further enhanced with feature lighting and the client’s artwork.”

Beyond the entrance, the house itself is split over two stories, allowing the elevated upper floor to take full advantage of the beautiful views of the surround Byron Bay area. This upper level sees a large open plan lounge and entertaining space matched with kitchen and dining areas, serving as a natural hub for the home.

With a fireplace for the winter months, the main living area creates an undeniable sense of home. This element also conceals the entertainment system, adding to the comfort and sense of cosy flexibility of the home.

With alfresco living an essential part of the brief, the inclusion of a large outdoor dining area and bar was essential in creating the specific mood of the home. The bespoke timber clad ceiling and external outdoor pendants add a touch of indoor comfort to the dining area, while still allowing the family to take advantage of the stunning surrounds.

On the selection of finishes and tones, Alan notes, “A refined, timeless palate and high-quality materials were selected and approved at the outset of the project, this cemented a strong sense of cohesion throughout the home, restoring a sense of casual luxurious.

“A considered palate of colours and textures were selected to complement key materials such as bleached ash flooring offset by coloured wall panelling in tones of blue and teal. The bespoke kitchen joinery boasts the boldest colour scheme in the design and is complemented with honed elba stone countertops and splashback.”

The result is a home that channels luxury throughout its interior and exterior spaces, with an emphasis on detail and personality – a perfect space to relax and take in the surrounding vista of the Byron Bay area.

Mac Design Studio
macdesignstudio.com.au

The home has been finished with a suite of Living Edge products :
Belleville dining chair by Vitra
Votteler Low Back Chairs by Walter Knoll
Outline sofa by Mutto
Bespoke sculpture by Morgan Shimeld
James bar cart & Lunar Coffee Table and utility bar stools by Sellarworks
Nelson Saucer Bubble lights by Herman Miller
Snoopy light by Flos


About the Author

Andrew McDonald

Tags

Byron BayFlosHerman MillerLiving EdgeMac Design StudioMorgan ShimeldmuttoResidential ArchitecturestellarworksVitra


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Issue 59 - The Life Outside Issue

Issue 59

The Life Outside Issue

Introducing the Life Outside issue of Habitus magazine. With life increasingly being absorbed into a digital space, there is never a more important moment to hold something tangible. In this context, the power of nature to have a physiological impact on our sense of wellbeing has never been more important. So how can we cultivate the benefits of the our natural environment in the most intimate of places – our homes? This was the question that helped to bring this issue of Habitus to life.

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