Above and facing page top : Located around the corner from the front door for convenience of dropping groceries , the kitchen achieves a European modular look . The dropped ceiling helps delineate the kitchen environment and also conceals a structural beam . Black ceramic tiles create a feature wall , one of several isolated finishes that break up the predominantly white walls .
At the functional heart of the large home , the generous indoor living areas flow out to the covered outdoor living spaces that are nearly half the size again . With sliding doors drawn back and a flat level between indoors and out , the transition is seamless . In addition , the al fresco living and dining area has an outdoor fire and is protected from the elements by operable louvres , ensuring these spaces can be enjoyed all year round .
The open structure of the home makes the most of the site , and the two outer walls of the rear yard are finished in the same white plaster as sections of the house . This gives the sense that the house actually surrounds the outdoor living and pool area – much like a courtyard house . In fact the rear wall is built in from the boundary with the modest space behind concealing pool toys and plant – keeping everything tidy .
The house is well set up for family life , too . The upstairs master suite obviously has a sense of removal and there is also a second living room or family room on the opposite side of the corridor to the main public living spaces .
Energy efficiency was another requirement and this was tackled by O ’ Neil in several ways . search | save | share at