The clients approached the project with a vision to renew their ageing family house into a durable, sustainable and flexible home that reflected their love of the outdoors, surfing, and coastal living long into the future. They sought a home that felt connected to its Clovelly setting, capturing the essence of barefoot beach life while remaining resilient to the elements and practical for everyday family routines.
Central to their brief was the desire for light-filled, open spaces that flowed naturally to the garden and outdoors, replacing the convoluted and sun-starved layout of the existing house. Flexibility and longevity were also key, with spaces designed to adapt as family needs change. Instead of a garage, they requested generous storage for surfboards and bikes, prioritising lifestyle over convention.
These objectives were carefully managed through a series of strategic and budget-conscious design moves. By relocating the staircase and reconfiguring circulation, the home now opens to the sunrise and garden, while much of the existing structure was retained to reduce costs and environmental impact. A new portico-inspired interface between house and garden creates sheltered outdoor rooms, ensuring a close daily connection with light, weather and seasons.
Sustainability was embedded throughout, with passive design strategies, robust low-maintenance materials, and the reuse of existing fabric wherever possible. Custom brickwork, timber screening and carefully detailed spaces delivered a tactile, enduring home that meets the clients’ ambitions. Today, the family describes Alba as a house that “just works beautifully.”
Knowing that a carefully detailed and budget-conscious approach was key to realising the project, our studio worked closely with the client, consultants and builders throughout the process. We combined a two-stage tendering process with regular costings by a QS to iteratively understand the possible costs early and throughout the process. Early engagement during tender selection ensured the builder shared our commitment to precision, quality and problem-solving, creating a collaborative foundation for the project.
Our studio was closely involved during construction, visiting site every two weeks to monitor progress, resolve issues and ensure fidelity to design intent. Working with the builder’s construction manager, this frequent engagement allowed us to manage budgetary priorities, coordinate with trades, and pre-empt potential defects before they became issues. All decisions were carefully documented and communicated, ensuring alignment between client expectations and site realities.
Alba’s curved brick columns were prototyped in advance, with CNC-cut templates guiding each brick to achieve precise curvature. To guarantee the highest craftsmanship, a master bricklayer was brought out of retirement from Queensland to execute the work, setting a new benchmark for quality and detail. This bespoke approach extended to integrating services within brickwork, coordinating structural steel for terraces, and achieving seamless continuity between interior and exterior materiality.
Through this collaborative process, extensive documentation, and a commitment to craft, we ensured that Alba was delivered to a high standard, on budget and without compromise to the architectural intent.
The clients approached the project with a vision to renew their ageing family house into a durable, sustainable and flexible home that reflected their love of the outdoors, surfing, and coastal living long into the future. They sought a home that felt connected to its Clovelly setting, capturing the essence of barefoot beach life while remaining resilient to the elements and practical for everyday family routines.
Central to their brief was the desire for light-filled, open spaces that flowed naturally to the garden and outdoors, replacing the convoluted and sun-starved layout of the existing house. Flexibility and longevity were also key, with spaces designed to adapt as family needs change. Instead of a garage, they requested generous storage for surfboards and bikes, prioritising lifestyle over convention.
These objectives were carefully managed through a series of strategic and budget-conscious design moves. By relocating the staircase and reconfiguring circulation, the home now opens to the sunrise and garden, while much of the existing structure was retained to reduce costs and environmental impact. A new portico-inspired interface between house and garden creates sheltered outdoor rooms, ensuring a close daily connection with light, weather and seasons.
Sustainability was embedded throughout, with passive design strategies, robust low-maintenance materials, and the reuse of existing fabric wherever possible. Custom brickwork, timber screening and carefully detailed spaces delivered a tactile, enduring home that meets the clients’ ambitions. Today, the family describes Alba as a house that “just works beautifully.”
Knowing that a carefully detailed and budget-conscious approach was key to realising the project, our studio worked closely with the client, consultants and builders throughout the process. We combined a two-stage tendering process with regular costings by a QS to iteratively understand the possible costs early and throughout the process. Early engagement during tender selection ensured the builder shared our commitment to precision, quality and problem-solving, creating a collaborative foundation for the project.
Our studio was closely involved during construction, visiting site every two weeks to monitor progress, resolve issues and ensure fidelity to design intent. Working with the builder’s construction manager, this frequent engagement allowed us to manage budgetary priorities, coordinate with trades, and pre-empt potential defects before they became issues. All decisions were carefully documented and communicated, ensuring alignment between client expectations and site realities.
Alba’s curved brick columns were prototyped in advance, with CNC-cut templates guiding each brick to achieve precise curvature. To guarantee the highest craftsmanship, a master bricklayer was brought out of retirement from Queensland to execute the work, setting a new benchmark for quality and detail. This bespoke approach extended to integrating services within brickwork, coordinating structural steel for terraces, and achieving seamless continuity between interior and exterior materiality.
Through this collaborative process, extensive documentation, and a commitment to craft, we ensured that Alba was delivered to a high standard, on budget and without compromise to the architectural intent.
The clients approached the project with a vision to renew their ageing family house into a durable, sustainable and flexible home that reflected their love of the outdoors, surfing, and coastal living long into the future. They sought a home that felt connected to its Clovelly setting, capturing the essence of barefoot beach life while remaining resilient to the elements and practical for everyday family routines.
Central to their brief was the desire for light-filled, open spaces that flowed naturally to the garden and outdoors, replacing the convoluted and sun-starved layout of the existing house. Flexibility and longevity were also key, with spaces designed to adapt as family needs change. Instead of a garage, they requested generous storage for surfboards and bikes, prioritising lifestyle over convention.
These objectives were carefully managed through a series of strategic and budget-conscious design moves. By relocating the staircase and reconfiguring circulation, the home now opens to the sunrise and garden, while much of the existing structure was retained to reduce costs and environmental impact. A new portico-inspired interface between house and garden creates sheltered outdoor rooms, ensuring a close daily connection with light, weather and seasons.
Sustainability was embedded throughout, with passive design strategies, robust low-maintenance materials, and the reuse of existing fabric wherever possible. Custom brickwork, timber screening and carefully detailed spaces delivered a tactile, enduring home that meets the clients’ ambitions. Today, the family describes Alba as a house that “just works beautifully.”
Knowing that a carefully detailed and budget-conscious approach was key to realising the project, our studio worked closely with the client, consultants and builders throughout the process. We combined a two-stage tendering process with regular costings by a QS to iteratively understand the possible costs early and throughout the process. Early engagement during tender selection ensured the builder shared our commitment to precision, quality and problem-solving, creating a collaborative foundation for the project.
Our studio was closely involved during construction, visiting site every two weeks to monitor progress, resolve issues and ensure fidelity to design intent. Working with the builder’s construction manager, this frequent engagement allowed us to manage budgetary priorities, coordinate with trades, and pre-empt potential defects before they became issues. All decisions were carefully documented and communicated, ensuring alignment between client expectations and site realities.
Alba’s curved brick columns were prototyped in advance, with CNC-cut templates guiding each brick to achieve precise curvature. To guarantee the highest craftsmanship, a master bricklayer was brought out of retirement from Queensland to execute the work, setting a new benchmark for quality and detail. This bespoke approach extended to integrating services within brickwork, coordinating structural steel for terraces, and achieving seamless continuity between interior and exterior materiality.
Through this collaborative process, extensive documentation, and a commitment to craft, we ensured that Alba was delivered to a high standard, on budget and without compromise to the architectural intent.
The clients approached the project with a vision to renew their ageing family house into a durable, sustainable and flexible home that reflected their love of the outdoors, surfing, and coastal living long into the future. They sought a home that felt connected to its Clovelly setting, capturing the essence of barefoot beach life while remaining resilient to the elements and practical for everyday family routines.
Central to their brief was the desire for light-filled, open spaces that flowed naturally to the garden and outdoors, replacing the convoluted and sun-starved layout of the existing house. Flexibility and longevity were also key, with spaces designed to adapt as family needs change. Instead of a garage, they requested generous storage for surfboards and bikes, prioritising lifestyle over convention.
These objectives were carefully managed through a series of strategic and budget-conscious design moves. By relocating the staircase and reconfiguring circulation, the home now opens to the sunrise and garden, while much of the existing structure was retained to reduce costs and environmental impact. A new portico-inspired interface between house and garden creates sheltered outdoor rooms, ensuring a close daily connection with light, weather and seasons.
Sustainability was embedded throughout, with passive design strategies, robust low-maintenance materials, and the reuse of existing fabric wherever possible. Custom brickwork, timber screening and carefully detailed spaces delivered a tactile, enduring home that meets the clients’ ambitions. Today, the family describes Alba as a house that “just works beautifully.”
Knowing that a carefully detailed and budget-conscious approach was key to realising the project, our studio worked closely with the client, consultants and builders throughout the process. We combined a two-stage tendering process with regular costings by a QS to iteratively understand the possible costs early and throughout the process. Early engagement during tender selection ensured the builder shared our commitment to precision, quality and problem-solving, creating a collaborative foundation for the project.
Our studio was closely involved during construction, visiting site every two weeks to monitor progress, resolve issues and ensure fidelity to design intent. Working with the builder’s construction manager, this frequent engagement allowed us to manage budgetary priorities, coordinate with trades, and pre-empt potential defects before they became issues. All decisions were carefully documented and communicated, ensuring alignment between client expectations and site realities.
Alba’s curved brick columns were prototyped in advance, with CNC-cut templates guiding each brick to achieve precise curvature. To guarantee the highest craftsmanship, a master bricklayer was brought out of retirement from Queensland to execute the work, setting a new benchmark for quality and detail. This bespoke approach extended to integrating services within brickwork, coordinating structural steel for terraces, and achieving seamless continuity between interior and exterior materiality.
Through this collaborative process, extensive documentation, and a commitment to craft, we ensured that Alba was delivered to a high standard, on budget and without compromise to the architectural intent.
The clients approached the project with a vision to renew their ageing family house into a durable, sustainable and flexible home that reflected their love of the outdoors, surfing, and coastal living long into the future. They sought a home that felt connected to its Clovelly setting, capturing the essence of barefoot beach life while remaining resilient to the elements and practical for everyday family routines.
Central to their brief was the desire for light-filled, open spaces that flowed naturally to the garden and outdoors, replacing the convoluted and sun-starved layout of the existing house. Flexibility and longevity were also key, with spaces designed to adapt as family needs change. Instead of a garage, they requested generous storage for surfboards and bikes, prioritising lifestyle over convention.
These objectives were carefully managed through a series of strategic and budget-conscious design moves. By relocating the staircase and reconfiguring circulation, the home now opens to the sunrise and garden, while much of the existing structure was retained to reduce costs and environmental impact. A new portico-inspired interface between house and garden creates sheltered outdoor rooms, ensuring a close daily connection with light, weather and seasons.
Sustainability was embedded throughout, with passive design strategies, robust low-maintenance materials, and the reuse of existing fabric wherever possible. Custom brickwork, timber screening and carefully detailed spaces delivered a tactile, enduring home that meets the clients’ ambitions. Today, the family describes Alba as a house that “just works beautifully.”
Knowing that a carefully detailed and budget-conscious approach was key to realising the project, our studio worked closely with the client, consultants and builders throughout the process. We combined a two-stage tendering process with regular costings by a QS to iteratively understand the possible costs early and throughout the process. Early engagement during tender selection ensured the builder shared our commitment to precision, quality and problem-solving, creating a collaborative foundation for the project.
Our studio was closely involved during construction, visiting site every two weeks to monitor progress, resolve issues and ensure fidelity to design intent. Working with the builder’s construction manager, this frequent engagement allowed us to manage budgetary priorities, coordinate with trades, and pre-empt potential defects before they became issues. All decisions were carefully documented and communicated, ensuring alignment between client expectations and site realities.
Alba’s curved brick columns were prototyped in advance, with CNC-cut templates guiding each brick to achieve precise curvature. To guarantee the highest craftsmanship, a master bricklayer was brought out of retirement from Queensland to execute the work, setting a new benchmark for quality and detail. This bespoke approach extended to integrating services within brickwork, coordinating structural steel for terraces, and achieving seamless continuity between interior and exterior materiality.
Through this collaborative process, extensive documentation, and a commitment to craft, we ensured that Alba was delivered to a high standard, on budget and without compromise to the architectural intent.
The clients approached the project with a vision to renew their ageing family house into a durable, sustainable and flexible home that reflected their love of the outdoors, surfing, and coastal living long into the future. They sought a home that felt connected to its Clovelly setting, capturing the essence of barefoot beach life while remaining resilient to the elements and practical for everyday family routines.
Central to their brief was the desire for light-filled, open spaces that flowed naturally to the garden and outdoors, replacing the convoluted and sun-starved layout of the existing house. Flexibility and longevity were also key, with spaces designed to adapt as family needs change. Instead of a garage, they requested generous storage for surfboards and bikes, prioritising lifestyle over convention.
These objectives were carefully managed through a series of strategic and budget-conscious design moves. By relocating the staircase and reconfiguring circulation, the home now opens to the sunrise and garden, while much of the existing structure was retained to reduce costs and environmental impact. A new portico-inspired interface between house and garden creates sheltered outdoor rooms, ensuring a close daily connection with light, weather and seasons.
Sustainability was embedded throughout, with passive design strategies, robust low-maintenance materials, and the reuse of existing fabric wherever possible. Custom brickwork, timber screening and carefully detailed spaces delivered a tactile, enduring home that meets the clients’ ambitions. Today, the family describes Alba as a house that “just works beautifully.”
Knowing that a carefully detailed and budget-conscious approach was key to realising the project, our studio worked closely with the client, consultants and builders throughout the process. We combined a two-stage tendering process with regular costings by a QS to iteratively understand the possible costs early and throughout the process. Early engagement during tender selection ensured the builder shared our commitment to precision, quality and problem-solving, creating a collaborative foundation for the project.
Our studio was closely involved during construction, visiting site every two weeks to monitor progress, resolve issues and ensure fidelity to design intent. Working with the builder’s construction manager, this frequent engagement allowed us to manage budgetary priorities, coordinate with trades, and pre-empt potential defects before they became issues. All decisions were carefully documented and communicated, ensuring alignment between client expectations and site realities.
Alba’s curved brick columns were prototyped in advance, with CNC-cut templates guiding each brick to achieve precise curvature. To guarantee the highest craftsmanship, a master bricklayer was brought out of retirement from Queensland to execute the work, setting a new benchmark for quality and detail. This bespoke approach extended to integrating services within brickwork, coordinating structural steel for terraces, and achieving seamless continuity between interior and exterior materiality.
Through this collaborative process, extensive documentation, and a commitment to craft, we ensured that Alba was delivered to a high standard, on budget and without compromise to the architectural intent.
The clients approached the project with a vision to renew their ageing family house into a durable, sustainable and flexible home that reflected their love of the outdoors, surfing, and coastal living long into the future. They sought a home that felt connected to its Clovelly setting, capturing the essence of barefoot beach life while remaining resilient to the elements and practical for everyday family routines.
Central to their brief was the desire for light-filled, open spaces that flowed naturally to the garden and outdoors, replacing the convoluted and sun-starved layout of the existing house. Flexibility and longevity were also key, with spaces designed to adapt as family needs change. Instead of a garage, they requested generous storage for surfboards and bikes, prioritising lifestyle over convention.
These objectives were carefully managed through a series of strategic and budget-conscious design moves. By relocating the staircase and reconfiguring circulation, the home now opens to the sunrise and garden, while much of the existing structure was retained to reduce costs and environmental impact. A new portico-inspired interface between house and garden creates sheltered outdoor rooms, ensuring a close daily connection with light, weather and seasons.
Sustainability was embedded throughout, with passive design strategies, robust low-maintenance materials, and the reuse of existing fabric wherever possible. Custom brickwork, timber screening and carefully detailed spaces delivered a tactile, enduring home that meets the clients’ ambitions. Today, the family describes Alba as a house that “just works beautifully.”
Knowing that a carefully detailed and budget-conscious approach was key to realising the project, our studio worked closely with the client, consultants and builders throughout the process. We combined a two-stage tendering process with regular costings by a QS to iteratively understand the possible costs early and throughout the process. Early engagement during tender selection ensured the builder shared our commitment to precision, quality and problem-solving, creating a collaborative foundation for the project.
Our studio was closely involved during construction, visiting site every two weeks to monitor progress, resolve issues and ensure fidelity to design intent. Working with the builder’s construction manager, this frequent engagement allowed us to manage budgetary priorities, coordinate with trades, and pre-empt potential defects before they became issues. All decisions were carefully documented and communicated, ensuring alignment between client expectations and site realities.
Alba’s curved brick columns were prototyped in advance, with CNC-cut templates guiding each brick to achieve precise curvature. To guarantee the highest craftsmanship, a master bricklayer was brought out of retirement from Queensland to execute the work, setting a new benchmark for quality and detail. This bespoke approach extended to integrating services within brickwork, coordinating structural steel for terraces, and achieving seamless continuity between interior and exterior materiality.
Through this collaborative process, extensive documentation, and a commitment to craft, we ensured that Alba was delivered to a high standard, on budget and without compromise to the architectural intent.
The clients approached the project with a vision to renew their ageing family house into a durable, sustainable and flexible home that reflected their love of the outdoors, surfing, and coastal living long into the future. They sought a home that felt connected to its Clovelly setting, capturing the essence of barefoot beach life while remaining resilient to the elements and practical for everyday family routines.
Central to their brief was the desire for light-filled, open spaces that flowed naturally to the garden and outdoors, replacing the convoluted and sun-starved layout of the existing house. Flexibility and longevity were also key, with spaces designed to adapt as family needs change. Instead of a garage, they requested generous storage for surfboards and bikes, prioritising lifestyle over convention.
These objectives were carefully managed through a series of strategic and budget-conscious design moves. By relocating the staircase and reconfiguring circulation, the home now opens to the sunrise and garden, while much of the existing structure was retained to reduce costs and environmental impact. A new portico-inspired interface between house and garden creates sheltered outdoor rooms, ensuring a close daily connection with light, weather and seasons.
Sustainability was embedded throughout, with passive design strategies, robust low-maintenance materials, and the reuse of existing fabric wherever possible. Custom brickwork, timber screening and carefully detailed spaces delivered a tactile, enduring home that meets the clients’ ambitions. Today, the family describes Alba as a house that “just works beautifully.”
Knowing that a carefully detailed and budget-conscious approach was key to realising the project, our studio worked closely with the client, consultants and builders throughout the process. We combined a two-stage tendering process with regular costings by a QS to iteratively understand the possible costs early and throughout the process. Early engagement during tender selection ensured the builder shared our commitment to precision, quality and problem-solving, creating a collaborative foundation for the project.
Our studio was closely involved during construction, visiting site every two weeks to monitor progress, resolve issues and ensure fidelity to design intent. Working with the builder’s construction manager, this frequent engagement allowed us to manage budgetary priorities, coordinate with trades, and pre-empt potential defects before they became issues. All decisions were carefully documented and communicated, ensuring alignment between client expectations and site realities.
Alba’s curved brick columns were prototyped in advance, with CNC-cut templates guiding each brick to achieve precise curvature. To guarantee the highest craftsmanship, a master bricklayer was brought out of retirement from Queensland to execute the work, setting a new benchmark for quality and detail. This bespoke approach extended to integrating services within brickwork, coordinating structural steel for terraces, and achieving seamless continuity between interior and exterior materiality.
Through this collaborative process, extensive documentation, and a commitment to craft, we ensured that Alba was delivered to a high standard, on budget and without compromise to the architectural intent.
The clients approached the project with a vision to renew their ageing family house into a durable, sustainable and flexible home that reflected their love of the outdoors, surfing, and coastal living long into the future. They sought a home that felt connected to its Clovelly setting, capturing the essence of barefoot beach life while remaining resilient to the elements and practical for everyday family routines.
Central to their brief was the desire for light-filled, open spaces that flowed naturally to the garden and outdoors, replacing the convoluted and sun-starved layout of the existing house. Flexibility and longevity were also key, with spaces designed to adapt as family needs change. Instead of a garage, they requested generous storage for surfboards and bikes, prioritising lifestyle over convention.
These objectives were carefully managed through a series of strategic and budget-conscious design moves. By relocating the staircase and reconfiguring circulation, the home now opens to the sunrise and garden, while much of the existing structure was retained to reduce costs and environmental impact. A new portico-inspired interface between house and garden creates sheltered outdoor rooms, ensuring a close daily connection with light, weather and seasons.
Sustainability was embedded throughout, with passive design strategies, robust low-maintenance materials, and the reuse of existing fabric wherever possible. Custom brickwork, timber screening and carefully detailed spaces delivered a tactile, enduring home that meets the clients’ ambitions. Today, the family describes Alba as a house that “just works beautifully.”
Knowing that a carefully detailed and budget-conscious approach was key to realising the project, our studio worked closely with the client, consultants and builders throughout the process. We combined a two-stage tendering process with regular costings by a QS to iteratively understand the possible costs early and throughout the process. Early engagement during tender selection ensured the builder shared our commitment to precision, quality and problem-solving, creating a collaborative foundation for the project.
Our studio was closely involved during construction, visiting site every two weeks to monitor progress, resolve issues and ensure fidelity to design intent. Working with the builder’s construction manager, this frequent engagement allowed us to manage budgetary priorities, coordinate with trades, and pre-empt potential defects before they became issues. All decisions were carefully documented and communicated, ensuring alignment between client expectations and site realities.
Alba’s curved brick columns were prototyped in advance, with CNC-cut templates guiding each brick to achieve precise curvature. To guarantee the highest craftsmanship, a master bricklayer was brought out of retirement from Queensland to execute the work, setting a new benchmark for quality and detail. This bespoke approach extended to integrating services within brickwork, coordinating structural steel for terraces, and achieving seamless continuity between interior and exterior materiality.
Through this collaborative process, extensive documentation, and a commitment to craft, we ensured that Alba was delivered to a high standard, on budget and without compromise to the architectural intent.
The clients approached the project with a vision to renew their ageing family house into a durable, sustainable and flexible home that reflected their love of the outdoors, surfing, and coastal living long into the future. They sought a home that felt connected to its Clovelly setting, capturing the essence of barefoot beach life while remaining resilient to the elements and practical for everyday family routines.
Central to their brief was the desire for light-filled, open spaces that flowed naturally to the garden and outdoors, replacing the convoluted and sun-starved layout of the existing house. Flexibility and longevity were also key, with spaces designed to adapt as family needs change. Instead of a garage, they requested generous storage for surfboards and bikes, prioritising lifestyle over convention.
These objectives were carefully managed through a series of strategic and budget-conscious design moves. By relocating the staircase and reconfiguring circulation, the home now opens to the sunrise and garden, while much of the existing structure was retained to reduce costs and environmental impact. A new portico-inspired interface between house and garden creates sheltered outdoor rooms, ensuring a close daily connection with light, weather and seasons.
Sustainability was embedded throughout, with passive design strategies, robust low-maintenance materials, and the reuse of existing fabric wherever possible. Custom brickwork, timber screening and carefully detailed spaces delivered a tactile, enduring home that meets the clients’ ambitions. Today, the family describes Alba as a house that “just works beautifully.”
Knowing that a carefully detailed and budget-conscious approach was key to realising the project, our studio worked closely with the client, consultants and builders throughout the process. We combined a two-stage tendering process with regular costings by a QS to iteratively understand the possible costs early and throughout the process. Early engagement during tender selection ensured the builder shared our commitment to precision, quality and problem-solving, creating a collaborative foundation for the project.
Our studio was closely involved during construction, visiting site every two weeks to monitor progress, resolve issues and ensure fidelity to design intent. Working with the builder’s construction manager, this frequent engagement allowed us to manage budgetary priorities, coordinate with trades, and pre-empt potential defects before they became issues. All decisions were carefully documented and communicated, ensuring alignment between client expectations and site realities.
Alba’s curved brick columns were prototyped in advance, with CNC-cut templates guiding each brick to achieve precise curvature. To guarantee the highest craftsmanship, a master bricklayer was brought out of retirement from Queensland to execute the work, setting a new benchmark for quality and detail. This bespoke approach extended to integrating services within brickwork, coordinating structural steel for terraces, and achieving seamless continuity between interior and exterior materiality.
Through this collaborative process, extensive documentation, and a commitment to craft, we ensured that Alba was delivered to a high standard, on budget and without compromise to the architectural intent.
The clients approached the project with a vision to renew their ageing family house into a durable, sustainable and flexible home that reflected their love of the outdoors, surfing, and coastal living long into the future. They sought a home that felt connected to its Clovelly setting, capturing the essence of barefoot beach life while remaining resilient to the elements and practical for everyday family routines.
Central to their brief was the desire for light-filled, open spaces that flowed naturally to the garden and outdoors, replacing the convoluted and sun-starved layout of the existing house. Flexibility and longevity were also key, with spaces designed to adapt as family needs change. Instead of a garage, they requested generous storage for surfboards and bikes, prioritising lifestyle over convention.
These objectives were carefully managed through a series of strategic and budget-conscious design moves. By relocating the staircase and reconfiguring circulation, the home now opens to the sunrise and garden, while much of the existing structure was retained to reduce costs and environmental impact. A new portico-inspired interface between house and garden creates sheltered outdoor rooms, ensuring a close daily connection with light, weather and seasons.
Sustainability was embedded throughout, with passive design strategies, robust low-maintenance materials, and the reuse of existing fabric wherever possible. Custom brickwork, timber screening and carefully detailed spaces delivered a tactile, enduring home that meets the clients’ ambitions. Today, the family describes Alba as a house that “just works beautifully.”
Knowing that a carefully detailed and budget-conscious approach was key to realising the project, our studio worked closely with the client, consultants and builders throughout the process. We combined a two-stage tendering process with regular costings by a QS to iteratively understand the possible costs early and throughout the process. Early engagement during tender selection ensured the builder shared our commitment to precision, quality and problem-solving, creating a collaborative foundation for the project.
Our studio was closely involved during construction, visiting site every two weeks to monitor progress, resolve issues and ensure fidelity to design intent. Working with the builder’s construction manager, this frequent engagement allowed us to manage budgetary priorities, coordinate with trades, and pre-empt potential defects before they became issues. All decisions were carefully documented and communicated, ensuring alignment between client expectations and site realities.
Alba’s curved brick columns were prototyped in advance, with CNC-cut templates guiding each brick to achieve precise curvature. To guarantee the highest craftsmanship, a master bricklayer was brought out of retirement from Queensland to execute the work, setting a new benchmark for quality and detail. This bespoke approach extended to integrating services within brickwork, coordinating structural steel for terraces, and achieving seamless continuity between interior and exterior materiality.
Through this collaborative process, extensive documentation, and a commitment to craft, we ensured that Alba was delivered to a high standard, on budget and without compromise to the architectural intent.
The clients approached the project with a vision to renew their ageing family house into a durable, sustainable and flexible home that reflected their love of the outdoors, surfing, and coastal living long into the future. They sought a home that felt connected to its Clovelly setting, capturing the essence of barefoot beach life while remaining resilient to the elements and practical for everyday family routines.
Central to their brief was the desire for light-filled, open spaces that flowed naturally to the garden and outdoors, replacing the convoluted and sun-starved layout of the existing house. Flexibility and longevity were also key, with spaces designed to adapt as family needs change. Instead of a garage, they requested generous storage for surfboards and bikes, prioritising lifestyle over convention.
These objectives were carefully managed through a series of strategic and budget-conscious design moves. By relocating the staircase and reconfiguring circulation, the home now opens to the sunrise and garden, while much of the existing structure was retained to reduce costs and environmental impact. A new portico-inspired interface between house and garden creates sheltered outdoor rooms, ensuring a close daily connection with light, weather and seasons.
Sustainability was embedded throughout, with passive design strategies, robust low-maintenance materials, and the reuse of existing fabric wherever possible. Custom brickwork, timber screening and carefully detailed spaces delivered a tactile, enduring home that meets the clients’ ambitions. Today, the family describes Alba as a house that “just works beautifully.”
Knowing that a carefully detailed and budget-conscious approach was key to realising the project, our studio worked closely with the client, consultants and builders throughout the process. We combined a two-stage tendering process with regular costings by a QS to iteratively understand the possible costs early and throughout the process. Early engagement during tender selection ensured the builder shared our commitment to precision, quality and problem-solving, creating a collaborative foundation for the project.
Our studio was closely involved during construction, visiting site every two weeks to monitor progress, resolve issues and ensure fidelity to design intent. Working with the builder’s construction manager, this frequent engagement allowed us to manage budgetary priorities, coordinate with trades, and pre-empt potential defects before they became issues. All decisions were carefully documented and communicated, ensuring alignment between client expectations and site realities.
Alba’s curved brick columns were prototyped in advance, with CNC-cut templates guiding each brick to achieve precise curvature. To guarantee the highest craftsmanship, a master bricklayer was brought out of retirement from Queensland to execute the work, setting a new benchmark for quality and detail. This bespoke approach extended to integrating services within brickwork, coordinating structural steel for terraces, and achieving seamless continuity between interior and exterior materiality.
Through this collaborative process, extensive documentation, and a commitment to craft, we ensured that Alba was delivered to a high standard, on budget and without compromise to the architectural intent.
The clients approached the project with a vision to renew their ageing family house into a durable, sustainable and flexible home that reflected their love of the outdoors, surfing, and coastal living long into the future. They sought a home that felt connected to its Clovelly setting, capturing the essence of barefoot beach life while remaining resilient to the elements and practical for everyday family routines.
Central to their brief was the desire for light-filled, open spaces that flowed naturally to the garden and outdoors, replacing the convoluted and sun-starved layout of the existing house. Flexibility and longevity were also key, with spaces designed to adapt as family needs change. Instead of a garage, they requested generous storage for surfboards and bikes, prioritising lifestyle over convention.
These objectives were carefully managed through a series of strategic and budget-conscious design moves. By relocating the staircase and reconfiguring circulation, the home now opens to the sunrise and garden, while much of the existing structure was retained to reduce costs and environmental impact. A new portico-inspired interface between house and garden creates sheltered outdoor rooms, ensuring a close daily connection with light, weather and seasons.
Sustainability was embedded throughout, with passive design strategies, robust low-maintenance materials, and the reuse of existing fabric wherever possible. Custom brickwork, timber screening and carefully detailed spaces delivered a tactile, enduring home that meets the clients’ ambitions. Today, the family describes Alba as a house that “just works beautifully.”
Knowing that a carefully detailed and budget-conscious approach was key to realising the project, our studio worked closely with the client, consultants and builders throughout the process. We combined a two-stage tendering process with regular costings by a QS to iteratively understand the possible costs early and throughout the process. Early engagement during tender selection ensured the builder shared our commitment to precision, quality and problem-solving, creating a collaborative foundation for the project.
Our studio was closely involved during construction, visiting site every two weeks to monitor progress, resolve issues and ensure fidelity to design intent. Working with the builder’s construction manager, this frequent engagement allowed us to manage budgetary priorities, coordinate with trades, and pre-empt potential defects before they became issues. All decisions were carefully documented and communicated, ensuring alignment between client expectations and site realities.
Alba’s curved brick columns were prototyped in advance, with CNC-cut templates guiding each brick to achieve precise curvature. To guarantee the highest craftsmanship, a master bricklayer was brought out of retirement from Queensland to execute the work, setting a new benchmark for quality and detail. This bespoke approach extended to integrating services within brickwork, coordinating structural steel for terraces, and achieving seamless continuity between interior and exterior materiality.
Through this collaborative process, extensive documentation, and a commitment to craft, we ensured that Alba was delivered to a high standard, on budget and without compromise to the architectural intent.
