A unique family home etched in natural beauty with captivating views.
Tucked into a cliff face overlooking Currumbin Creek, this contemporary family home seems to emerge organically from the rustic landscape that surrounds it. Expansive views from the living spaces stretch across the sparkling water to the glittering Surfers Paradise skyline in the distance.
Designed by architect Paul Uhlmann, this unique home pays homage to its distinctive and undulating bushland setting — the rustic contours of the hilly landscape inspired its curved form.
A distinct design feature, the copper cladding subtly shimmers in the warm afternoon sunlight. “Over time, the copper cladding will dull to an earthy colour to match the hillside,” says Paul. Copper is a building product that is renowned not only for its aesthetics, but also for its sustainability. It’s low maintenance, durable and complements other building materials such as timber, cast iron and stainless steel.
In keeping with the earthy colour palette, shades of grey paint were used elsewhere on the home’s exterior to blend into the surrounding landscape.
The contemporary home is set on three levels. On the ground floor, there is car parking, storage and the entry with a lift. The first floor has five bedrooms that are interconnected with sliding walls, so the five children who live there can spend time together when they want to, yet have privacy when they need it. The master suite is located on the same floor. There’s also a laundry, media room, deck and swimming pool for the kids to splash around in on those long hot summer days.
The main living areas are located on the second floor, with an open-plan contemporary kitchen, bar, roomy dining space and cosy lounge area. There’s also a guest bedroom, which will convert to a master bedroom when the children are older.
The main living spaces are light filled and inviting. There’s prolific use of warm timber throughout, which bodes well with the home’s natural bushland setting. The slimline kitchen features ample storage and seating positioned to capture the breathtaking views beyond. In fact, the entire front of the living area on this level can be opened up, connecting the home visually to the landscape that sits well beyond its walls. Whether it’s enjoying a cool drink on the outdoor lounge, a family dinner or a quick bite for breakfast in the kitchen, there are delightful views to savour. Another feature of the design is the distinctive timber staircase with blackbutt wall, which can be seen from the see-through lift.
With the scope of the project spanning three levels, and given its steep location, structural considerations weighed in heavily in the design process. Large steel members were required, with the major member concealed beneath the curved wall.
To Paul, this is a unique project for many reasons, notwithstanding the scope of works completed. “It stands apart from other designs because of the complexity of the site and scale of the building program on a relatively small site envelope.”
Embracing the natural curves of the site, this home expertly delivers on both form and function, culminating in a design fit for its inhabitants and the surrounding landscape.