The Stage and the Cave

In a dramatic renovation, this traditional villa transitions graciously into an overtly contemporary entertainers’ space that reflects the outgoing nature of the professional couple who reside here.
The original villa forms part of a heritage listed area, so the front was left mostly untouched, with the rear, north-facing area becoming the focus. The aim was to create an area suitable for large social events within a relatively small footprint.

A composition of juxtapositions, this renovation encapsulates the traditional whites of the villa, moving through into a masculine, moody interior in the extension, designed to complement the owners’ substantial art collection.

Privacy was a central focus, with the original villa rearranged to house the four bedrooms, bathroom and ensuite. Transitioning through a gallery area, the house steps down to open into the public part of the home, housing a media room, and open plan kitchen, living and dining areas.
A butler’s pantry leads through a concealed door onto the northern facing courtyard where the barbeque area is housed. Designed to capture the midday sun, this space is capped with a contemporary outdoor fire.

The main interior space incorporates a corner slider, allowing the area to open seamlessly onto the western courtyard designed to capture the afternoon sun. This second courtyard, also capped with an outdoor fire, as well as a lap pool that runs snugly along the side of the property, linking each of the exterior living spaces.

Zinc and cedar cladding work together to create a contemporary aesthetic and offer a verticality that contrasts with the horizontal weatherboards of the original villa. Inside, walnut and granite provide the visual focus with this depth of colour defining the area, yet leading the eye outwards to capture the extended sense of space the outdoor spaces provide.