Located in Sydney, Australia, this highly contemporary home is known as the Hewlett House. A brainchild of MPR Design Group, the white box-like residence overlooking Bronte beach and the coastline features intriguing details both outside and inside. Exploring the notion of “prospect and refuge”, architects created an exemplary home perfectly adapted to a modern lifestyle and the needs of its inhabitants.
Contemplating the surroundings comes hand in hand with that relaxing feeling of privacy – this is exactly what the owners wanted. Seen from the street, the facade fascinates with its sleek design lines. Two concrete shapes with rounded edges compose the front facade, while decoupages in the walls and ceilings create a continuation of this idea inside. Passive ventilation was achieved through the design, making the home sustainable from this point of view. The upper volume shelters social living spaces stretching out to the terrace to capture northern winter sun and guide it deep inside. Skylights help flood the space with natural light, while the extensive use of glass allows inhabitants to take advantage of the views. The two lower levels shape the private zone, where bedrooms and bathrooms provide the “refuge” needed. Linking the floors, a sculptural staircase adds an extra dimension to the already astounding collection of spaces.
