Page 142 - 2022-07-01VogueLivingar

‹‹ never have to worry about a wall falling down. You don’t even
think about it. It’s a different energy, a different headspace.”
The coastal location of the property presented some challenges.
“The ocean-view side of the house gets absolutely hammered by
wind and sideways rain,” says Bull. Not ideal for alfresco dining,
but the harsh elements influenced a move towards classic P&O
architecture. The curved walls and porthole-style windows of the
namesake 1930s cruise liners have been embraced in the semi-
circular breakfast nook. Custom curved glass extends the ocean
panorama, so the family can enjoy the view without getting soaked
by a sudden storm. “We love to end our day watching clouds over the
sea change colour in the sunset,” says the homeowner.
“While the adults love the ocean aspect, kids can’t play in a view,”
adds Bull. To give little people space to kick a ball, he nestled a yard
complete with swimming pool into the back of the property, where
it is protected from bracing coastal winds. The relaxing holiday
ambience of the garden makes it an ideal place to relax and watch
the children play. With areas for everyone, the house facilitates that

coveted indoor-outdoor lifestyle that is uniquely Australian, with
formal rooms elegantly overlooking the Pacific Ocean and casual
green-focused spaces for family fun.
The interior is simultaneously wildly creative and grounded in
elegance, much like the people involved in the project. The home
makes the most of its natural surroundings and is a proud example
of bold, vibrant Australian design. There is no mistaking the
intention for easy family living here that encapsulates versatility,
freedom to move and play, and intimate spaces in which to connect.
Bull also considered the finer details, too, which the client loves. “All
the special touches and materials tell a very personal, unique story of
our family and where we come from,” says the owner. “The original
building had no spirit, but Alexander &Co. really brought it to life.”
Bull is happy that the family is happy. “Building a house is like
your relationship with your partner,” he says. “Most of the time
you’re negotiating logistics. ‘Should we change the floor plan? Can
you get milk when you pick up the
THIS PAGE in the breakfast kids?’ Logistics can easily take up
nook, Henrik dining chair from
Icon by Design; custom table all of your time, but it’s important
from CDF Studio; shop-sawn to dedicate energy to asking, ‘How
veneer American oak banquette do I want this house to feel? How do
produced by JP Finsbury with
leather cushion from Instyle; I want this relationship to feel? How
bowl from Studio Elke; Iittala are we going to get there?’.”
Kartio pitcher from Top3 By
Design; lamp from Lucretia. alexanderand.co