Industrial beach house meets Italian villa in the trendy coastal haven of Byron Bay

Written by

27 May 2023

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3 min read

Shelley Craft is one of Australia's most loved television presenters. Her experience on numerous Australian home renovation TV shows, such as The Block and Domestic Blitz, has given her a designer's eye to create a stunning new home for herself and her family in Byron Bay.

Shelley and her husband, Chris, worked with architect Paul Uhlmann to design a unique house that melded the qualities of the quintessential industrial beach house with the romance of an Italian villa. Situated on the site of the old whaling station in Belongil Beach in New South Wales’ star-studded Byron Bay, the criteria for the build were freedom of design and movement, connection to the outdoors, ventilation and protection from the elements.

“When I’m building for my home, it’s all about quality, longevity and timelessness,” says Shelley. “Building by the beach has another set of challenges and that comes down to the durability of the product.”

Choosing SGA Architectural Window Solutions to manufacture and supply custom windows and doors was a no-brainer for the TV presenter, who opted for the brand’s Vantage Windows & Doors and Elevate Aluminium Systems product ranges.

At home with Shelley Craft

A brick spine divides the home into pods

One of the quirky design features of this home is its pod structure, formed by a brick spine built through the back of the kitchen and onto the bedrooms. The asymmetrical roofline above this brick wall creates an expansive void, and due to the automated louvres above the brick spine, the home is abundant with fresh air and natural light.

“We wanted customised window options, including a glass wall that points out to the reserve. That was always going to be a challenge because of the asymmetrical roofline, but I’m glad to say SGA Architectural Window Solutions nailed it,” she adds.

At home with Shelley Craft

A brick wall divides the home into pods

At home with Shelley Craft

Industrial beach house meets Italian villa in the trendy coastal haven of Byron Bay

Sliding doors provide freedom of movement

The Series 704B SlideMaster Sliding Doors open up the whole house, from left to right, backward and sidewards, which provides freedom of movement.

“When you’re designing a home, you really have to think about how you’re going to move about. You want it to be easy and flow naturally,” explains Shelley.

“In the morning I crank all the doors open, so everyone can come and go as they please. We’ve also got this amazing seamless threshold finish, so there’s not even a slight step or tripping hazard as you move from inside to out.

Large sliding doors provide freedom of movement

Ensuring longevity and durability for her windows and doors, Shelley and her husband chose the Miro hardware range due to its amazing finish. It is ten times more corrosion-resistant than any other standard finish and therefore great for living on the coast, where homes are exposed to harsh winds and sea salt spray.

“I’ve put my heart and soul into this home and it’s perfect, for now.”