The Causeway House

A Sanctuary Built on Passion and Place

This project is more than a renovation; it is the culmination of a life-shaping journey for its owners. Drawn to the unique serenity of Fingal Head, the young family sought to create a home that was deeply connected to its tranquil, coastal setting. For the owner, an avid surfer and skilled tradesman, this was a chance to return to a site not as a contractor, but as a creator of his own family's sanctuary. The process became a testament to teamwork—a close and constant collaboration between our design team and both husband and wife, whose shared vision shaped every detail.

Design Response: Honouring Heritage, Embracing Connection

The brief was clear and respectful: to preserve the home's quintessential beach house character and form, while thoughtfully bringing it into the contemporary era. Our design works within the original footprint, honouring its heritage while completely reimagining the interior for modern family life. The exterior finish was replaced with new contextual Colorbond and timber cladding to respectfully update the home's presence. The focus was on dissolving the boundaries between inside and out. Expansive bi-fold doors peel back to connect the main living areas with a generous alfresco space and a stunning infinity pool, creating a seamless flow for entertaining and relaxation.

Materiality & Craft: A Personal Touch

This home is a masterclass in collaborative craftsmanship. The building's clean lines lend a timeless, local feel, while touches of modern texture and colour brighten the façades, underscoring a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Internally, spaces are bright and uncluttered, allowing incoming sunlight and the interplay of air and shade to become the primary 'ornamentation'.

The owner's decision to be on-site full-time, balancing business with the demanding process of building his own home, became a life-changing experience—a journey of reconnection that is now embedded in the very fabric of the building. His meticulous skill is evident in every flawless detail.

The material palette tells this story of collaboration. Rich timber cladding grounds the modern form in its natural setting, while inside, the warmth of timber floors provides a soulful counterpoint to the clean lines of the kitchen, anchored by its bold concrete island. Through thoughtful collaboration with both owners, the interior spaces achieved their inviting character, creating a home that is not only architecturally refined but deeply personal and welcoming.