A Mediterranean marvel in the heart of Brisbane
Do not adjust your spectacles or rub your eyes for a clearer view. Despite what the optics suggest, you are not gazing at a Grecian beauty overlooking the Aegean Sea. This spectacular home rests on our very own shores, 7km from the Brisbane CBD. Kamares sto Appia is the showstopper of Seven Hills, and a jewel in the crown of O’Shea & Sons Builders.
Born out of the owner’s dream to capture the Mediterranean lifestyle, Kamares sto Appia is a fusion of modern civic architectural style, beautifully blended with the timeless charm of traditional Mediterranean architecture and contemporary amenities and functionality. The brief was to create a home that celebrates elements of the family’s rich Mediterranean cultural history. It also needed to be a place of harmony, continuity and beauty, a modern subtropical abode capable of hosting family and friends for intimate gatherings.
Despite the home’s effortlessly enticing appearance, the project was not without its challenges. Indeed, building on this block of land was always going to be difficult given the fact it was straddled with three street frontages. This, along with other challenges that cropped up along the way, did not stand a chance against the exemplary talent and effective collaboration between Daniel Zullo from DZ Architects, Joanna Kane from Merge Interior Design, and Nick and Carly O’Shea from O’Shea & Sons Builders.
Far from regular builders, O’Shea & Sons comprises a team of artisans, part of a community in Queensland dedicated to creating dream homes. “As we were building the house you could really get the sense this was a one-of-a-kind home, thanks to features such as the outdoor entertaining area, master suite and massive kitchen,” says Nick. “To build a full concrete house is a tough thing to do. It took a village to bring us to handover day, and every single contributor brought a unique level of passion and creativity. The result is a spectacular build that will outlive us all — a legacy project that we are exceptionally proud of.”
Daniel Zullo, of DZ Architects, is most proud of the process, which started more than five years ago with the blending of minds focused on creating an inner sanctuary. “We looked at various options, cut the block in different ways, and in the end came up with Kamares sto Appia,” Daniel shares.
The open floor plan with its seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces encourages natural light and ventilation to flood the interiors, making the home feel spacious and inviting with plenty of large windows throughout to capture the beautiful morning and afternoon light and natural breezes. Joanna Kane from Merge Interior Design says the goal was to craft a bespoke, sophisticated and ambient interior that harmonised with the architectural details and overarching vision. “Our directive was to evoke a boutique hotel vibe infused with Grecian-inspired elements for a symmetrical and balanced aesthetic,” Joanna adds. “The design pays homage to the timeless elegance, luxury and simplicity inherent in Greek art and design.”
The use of natural materials such as timber, marble and stone were essential to capturing the Mediterranean aesthetic. Italian porcelain populates the internal spaces for a timeless appearance that will endow the property with long-term practicality. “The use of travertine was particularly significant to the homeowners, guiding our meticulous selection process to ensure each material complemented and enhanced the travertine’s prominence in every space,” says Joanna.
Lush feature tiles in the bathrooms reference colourful coastal Mediterranean villages, while black window and door frames throughout provide a pop of modernity. “We employed a stylised approach, incorporating repeated motifs such as arches, curves and columns,” explains Joanna. “These elements were integrated into every facet, from the facade and joinery details to the tiling, cladding, fixtures and furniture selection.”
“One of my favourite features is the powder-coated aluminium arched batten screening, which mimics the concrete arches below and provides a decorative external filtering skin to the upper level of the house,” adds Dan Zulu from DZ Architecture. “It creates a stunning effect and play on light within the interiors and particularly the main entry space.”
The outside walkways, driveways and entertaining areas are laid with European travertine from Unica Stone & Tile Boutique in a crazy pave formation, referencing the charming footpaths of the Greek Island and producing a stunning effect. Drunken render — an undulated render that celebrates the organic lumps and bumps in all the right places — was applied to the home’s exterior, as well as some interior block work walls.
Spacious outdoor areas emphasise the importance of alfresco entertaining, allowing family and friends to relax, share a meal and enjoy views of the award-winning pool area and gardens.
The colour palette was inspired by the Mediterranean landscape and marries warm earthy tones and raw concrete columns with elevated concrete planters.
Designed by Satori Pools to capture a resort-like feel, the pool area is more than just a place to swim; it’s a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. “Comfortable lounge chairs positioned in the shallow end invite guests to bask in the sun while enjoying the water,” says Chanice Hornberg of Satori Pools. Incorporating the latest in pool technology, this oasis boasts advanced automation and heating systems. With just the touch of a button, users can control the pool’s temperature, lighting and water features, ensuring a personalised and hassle-free experience. The heated spa adds an extra layer of luxury, allowing for year-round enjoyment regardless of the weather.
The pool’s fully tiled surface not only adds to its aesthetic appeal, but also ensures durability and ease of maintenance. The tiles, chosen for their quality and visual appeal, shimmer under the sunlight, creating a captivating and inviting water feature. This attention to detail is a hallmark of Satori Pools’ commitment to excellence.
Adding to its accolades, this exceptional pool has been honoured with the prestigious Queensland SPASA Gold Award and National Finalist for Pool and Spa Combination in 2024. The awards are a testament to Satori Pools’ unwavering dedication to superior craftsmanship, innovative design and unparalleled customer satisfaction. The recognition highlights the pool’s exceptional features and the expert execution that sets it apart in the competitive world of luxury pool design.
From the pool to the palatial master suite, every element of this dwelling was built to perfection. “The commercial method that was used to create this house was a great chance to show off our high-level residential building skills,” say Nick and Carly. “The clients can now enjoy beautifully finished concrete structures throughout the house, as well as oversized external glazing that allows soft natural light into the home.”
Details
House: Kamares Sto Appia
Architect: DZ Architects
Builder: O’Shea & Sons Builders
Interior designer: Merge Interior Design
For more information
Image credit: Shoot to Sell
