Merewether

2025
Traditional lands of the Awabakal people

Merewether is designed to function as both a permanent residence and a family beach house, carefully leveraging panoramic views across the ocean and city. The house responds to its harsh coastal exposure through a considered material palette selected to weather and age gracefully, rather than attempting to maintain the appearance of a “new” home. A restrained blonde colour scheme reflects the relaxed coastal character of the setting, with accents of stone, concrete and black introducing depth and a sense of layering throughout the home.

A sculptural ceiling within the living area draws the northern sun deep into the home while celebrating the expansive views that define this part of the house. Its softer, sculptural form provides a counterpoint to the otherwise rational architectural lines. To the east, a characteristic rain screen of vertical battens defines the garden courtyard, creating a sense of enclosure and privacy while containing an internal garden that extends the landscape into the heart of the home.

A generous garden accommodates a large pool, expansive lawn, vegetable garden and additional spaces for boat storage and gym activities. Integrated landscape outcomes build on the practice’s ongoing approach to biophilic design, introducing a necessary softness to the more defensive requirements of the architecture. The relationship between built form, landscape, materiality and site is a deliberate response to the coastal conditions and the way the family intends to live within them.

Exquisitely built, Merewether has been the result of a wonderful process, shaped by supportive and deeply engaged clients. The outcome reflects our aspirations for considered collaboration and integration, where architecture, interiors and landscape work together to create a relaxed, enduring home that is both grounded in its coastal setting and responsive to the way it is lived.

Shaun Lockyer, Adam Laming + Kevin Li for SLa
Interior Decor by Lucy Hyndman + Portia Chaseling for SLa
Lebury
Northrop Consulting Engineers
Green Care Project
Heartland Landscapes

Brett Boardman Photography