In the stunning setting of Wategos, Byron Bay, Australia, a once-modest 1980s timber pole house has transformed into a remarkable multi-level residence. Created by CG Design Studio, this architectural masterpiece took 11 years to perfect, growing to embrace its extraordinary coastal surroundings. Initially a simple renovation for CG Design Studio’s first-ever clients, the project evolved into a full-scale commitment following the discovery of the site’s immense potential in the heart of the region.
Designed originally for a couple and their two teenage sons, the home has since become a cherished holiday retreat as life took the family to other places. Yet, it remains a bonding haven where coastal beauty meets thoughtful design in this special location.
Five Levels of Functional Splendor
This home elegantly cascades across five levels, each serving unique purposes. The lower section, equipped with bedrooms, a kitchenette, living areas, and a sunken games room, functions independently. The upper levels house the main living spaces. The use of limestone and Blackbutt timber throughout creates harmony with the natural setting. Limestone forms the lower walls, evoking an image of the house carved from the rock, while Blackbutt timber offers warmth, enhancing the vibrancy of the area.
Earthy plaster, ocean-blue travertine, bespoke Moroccan tiles, and natural brass further extend the authentic palette across the home, creating a seamless blend with the environment.
An Inviting Entrance
The journey into this home starts beside a garage, with limestone anchoring the structure into the rocky terrain. Elevated gardens across levels cultivate greenery and ensure a natural fusion with the landscape. This approach builds anticipation, revealing more of the ocean view as you rise to the main living areas, typical of the serene ambiance in this coastal haven.
Sculptural Pathways to Serenity
Curved taupe stucco walls invite you along stone steps, contributing artfully to the residence’s allure. A mature grass tree and layered plantings add softness, merging nature with architecture seamlessly for a relaxed atmosphere, embodying the soulful ethos of Byron Bay.
Living Room Meets the Ocean
The living and dining areas showcase warm stone floors and textured cream walls, while expansive openings present breathtaking ocean vistas. Curved sofas and distinctive lounge chairs soften the aesthetic, and a suspended fireplace unites the space, leading effortlessly onto the terrace and uniting indoors with the spectacular outdoor landscape, a hallmark of local living.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living
The heart of the home pours onto a broad terrace, diluting the boundary between indoors and out. CG Design Studio envisions this as resembling a resort, with uninterrupted ocean views and lush terraces. Elevated gardens further integrate architecture with nature.
Infinity’s Edge
A striking 20-meter infinity pool edges the main terrace. Its Perspex construction forms an intimate bond with the ocean scene. Adding practicality, an outdoor shower amplifies the home’s beachside connection. Together, these elements craft an expansive leisure zone linked directly to the main living space.
A Kitchen with Character
The kitchen shines with ocean-blue travertine amidst the earthy tones. Complementing this are concave curves that soften robust materials. The shaped stones delineate work zones, contrasted by textured porcelain surfaces, maintaining function and charm without detracting from the surrounding beauty.
Ascending Through Design
A sweeping helical staircase ribbons gracefully up to the upper floors. More than a connector, it’s a striking feature under a central skylight, providing a warm core that draws light through the home’s center, creating a tiered aesthetic that invites further exploration.
Exclusive Comforts
At the home’s pinnacle, the primary bedroom provides stunning views through wide-open doors. Inside, natural materials create a tranquil ambiance. Mirrored surfaces extend the scenic beauty inward, and the reserved palette highlights the landscape beyond.
The ensuite champions relaxation with an Agape bath and a sculpturally curved shower. Openness to the outdoors enhances the space’s immersive nature, with marble and natural finishes exuding luxury.
For further exploration of design integration with landscapes, discover how Heatherwick Studio’s Louisville Park Redesign brings urban and natural elements together.
Guest quarters continue the theme with fitting touches like a window seat — offering a cozy spot to embrace the vistas. Timbers and plasters provide continuity in warmth and tone throughout.
Moroccan tiles in the guest baths enrich the experience with handmade textures. Brass fixtures unite the earthy elegance, underscoring the serene charm running through every corner of this magnificent home.
After years of meticulous crafting, the Wategos home remains a testament to CG Design Studio’s initial vision. Born from a simple conversation on a sunlit beach rock, the house eternally mirrors the area’s natural splendor, keeping the untamed coastal essence at its core.
Photography by Anson Smart | Interior Design / Project Direction: CG Design Studio | Project building designer / Project Vision: Thais Pupio | Consulting building designer: Wak’a Designs
This attention to coastal living might inspire you to explore Swimming Pool Maintenance Beginners Tips for maintaining your seaside retreat.
Source: contemporist.com
Frequently asked questions
What materials are used in the home’s construction?
The home incorporates limestone and Blackbutt timber to create harmony with the natural setting. Earthy plaster, ocean-blue travertine, bespoke Moroccan tiles, and natural brass are also used to extend the authentic palette across the home.
How is the indoor-outdoor connection achieved in the home?
The heart of the home opens onto a broad terrace, blurring the boundary between indoors and outdoors. CG Design Studio designed it to resemble a resort, with uninterrupted ocean views and lush terraces integrating the architecture with nature.
What feature makes the infinity pool unique?
The striking 20-meter infinity pool’s Perspex construction creates an intimate bond with the ocean scene. An outdoor shower complements the pool, enhancing the home’s connection to its beachside setting.