Este

2025
Traditional lands of the Arakwal, Minjungbal, and Widjabul people

A project a decade in the making, this work reflects how a challenging site, extended council approval and a complex process can ultimately produce architecture of enormous qualitative value. The site, to the best of our knowledge, is the most easterly private residential block of land on the continent of Australia. Protected by its location within a historic caldera at Wategos Beach, Byron Bay, the house(s) enjoy a north-western orientation, taking in sweeping views from Brunswick Heads to Julian Rocks, along with spectacular sunsets reflecting across the ocean below.

Conceived as a dual-occupancy pair of houses, the project affords independent living, privacy and amenity. The houses connect at rooftop level, where a shared enjoyment of swimming pools, outdoor courtyards - surrounded by lush Littoral Rainforest - and generous entertaining spaces allows the best of the Byron lifestyle to be enjoyed, Aperol in hand.

The material palette is restrained, tactile and timeless, with the intention that the patina of time and a maturing landscape will transform the built form into a “green” canvas. While the rooms are not large, they possess a boutique, crafted and bespoke quality, complemented by carefully curated art by noted artists including Martine Emdur and Alessandro Lubicic.

Natural stone, dark spotted gum timbers and extensive board-formed concrete make up the bulk of the palette, while playful design elements such as an internal lightwell, glass floors and rooftop swimming pools that form transparent ceilings to outdoor rooms add moments of delight. This project represents one of the most significant works we have completed, and one of the most deserving sites we have been fortunate enough to work on. It is a project made possible through client trust, builder collaboration and a shared commitment to the envisaged outcome.

Shaun Lockyer, Adam Laming + Kevin Li for SLa
DB Build
Greencare Project 
Conlon Group
Oska Consulting Group
EMF Griffiths
Nawton Denny Chapelle
Interior Decoration by FMD
Art Curation by Shaun Lockyer + Criss Bissiotis in collaboration with Studio Gallery Group

Pablo Vega Photography