Pearse St
Architecture + Interior Design
Completed
2013
Builder
Mosman Bay Luxury Homes
Landscaper
Interior Decorator
Photographer
Built on a hill overlooking Cottesloe Beach’s iconic Norfolk pines, Pearse Street Residence is designed as the ultimate family coastal home.
Home for three generations, it provides both privacy and integration whilst enhancing the relationship between the house, nearby parklands and the Indian Ocean beyond.
The strength and beauty of the house not only lie in its ideal location, but its considered design and materiality.
The house steps down the site over four levels. It bathes in flattering light, divided into light airy zones for dining, relaxing and sleeping, making it a strikingly fresh and elegant home for all ages.
On entering, you are aware of the sound of water as you walk alongside the split-face Travertine wall that is protected by a steel and glass canopy. At the entry space is the central circulation hub with steel and glass doors and a tranquil courtyard beyond. The sound of water still present, an antique Chinese trough with contemporary stainless-steel spout draws the eye in.
On this level is the teenager living zone and bedroom quarters complete with swimming pool and spa, outdoor entertaining with fireplace and generous built-in seating and integrated BBQ area. It is serviced by a nautical-themed pool bathroom with cedar-clad sauna.
Upstairs is the main kitchen and dining areas that open out onto a north-facing outdoor entertaining area, with extensive views of the ocean and green parks.
The master bedroom and living quarters are also located on this level, as well as a private study in the form of an oak pod. Bookcase-clad, it serves as a self-contained space with a porthole connecting to the living room and ocean view beyond.
A passage from this area goes through a ‘grand children’s’ playroom and connects to a steel and glass link and grassed courtyard area. The link leads to the rear volume which houses more garaging (accessed from a ROW) and a self-contained two-level guest studio.
The lowest part of the block has access to a large basement level housing ample parking, various storage areas and a cellar.
Utilising its abundant sea breezes and perfect northern aspect, the home features good passive solar design and is also installed with water tanks, solar power, hydronic floor heating and double-glazed windows throughout.
The property is beautifully tied together through the use of honed stone tiles inside and sandblasted externally. The application of smoked white oak, polished plaster, steel and split-faced travertine throughout provides a warm, earthy quality that is further enhanced by walls of glass that look out over surrounding greenery and the ocean.
Strong lines and proportion prevail which is enhanced by soft coastal tones of grey, stone, silver and zinc, along with the rich quality of natural light that pours inside.
Various interior spaces are unified using nautical-inspired elements like large oval polished chrome mirrors, light fittings, porthole windows, wood plank panelling and cabinetry adding beautiful originality to this family home by the sea.
