When our clients approached us, they had a clear vision: to transform their 1980s brick home into a space that truly connected with its environment. Located opposite Wommin Lake, the original layout was defined by internal partitions and a disconnect from the view, lacking the effortless flow required for a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Our brief was to open the home up - capturing the views and the cooling cross-breezes - while grounding the design in the unique context of Fingal Head. Influenced by the natural vertical rock formations of the local headland, the design balances a rugged, protective exterior with a soft, unified interior flow.
A protective geometry. The new facade pairs deep charcoal tones with warm vertical timbers, creating a private 'armoured' skin that nods to the local headland while welcoming guests. A Protective Geometry
We retained the striking pitched roofline of the original structure but completely reimagined its relationship with the street. Drawing inspiration from the 'armoured' geometry of the local landscape - a subtle nod to the region's ancient indigenous narrative of protection - the new facade features deep charcoal tones and warm vertical timbers.
This "protective skin" creates a sense of safety and privacy from the street, mimicking the sheltering nature of the headland while offering a warm, textured welcome.
Setting the rhythm. Vertical timber lining creates a play of light and privacy at the entry, echoing the natural columnar rock formations of the nearby coast. A Rhythm of Wood and Stone
The entry experience sets the tone for the entire home. We used vertical timber battens to create a screening element that feels both private and inviting. This strong vertical repetition is a deliberate architectural echo of the stone pillars found at the Giant's Causeway nearby.
It grounds the home in its context, capturing the light beautifully to create a warm, textural interplay of shadow and timber as you step inside.
The Heart of the Home
The original home was characterised by a compartmentalised layout, where heavy timber screening and partial walls created various living 'zones'. We removed these barriers to completely re-orient the living space. The new kitchen and butler's panty now anchor an open-plan design, with a long island bench that serves as a bridge between dining, lounging, and the outdoors.
This shift allows for uninterrupted sightlines and conversation, turning the daily routine of cooking and eating into a shared family experience.
The heart of the home. Removing old partitions allowed us to re-orient the kitchen as the central anchor, creating uninterrupted sightlines between the living zones and the outdoors. 
Merging indoors and out. As the sun sets, the rear walls disappear, transforming the pool deck into an active extension of the living room - perfect for barefoot coastal evenings. Merging Indoors and Out
The owners' priority was to dissolve the barrier between indoor and outdoor living. We opened up the facade walls so the lounge doesn't just look at the pool - it breathes with it.
On warm evenings, the entire lower level connects to the outdoors, transforming the front yard into an active extension of the living room. It’s a space designed for long twilights, barefoot entertaining, and maximising the coastal climate.
Strategic circulation. The entrance staircase bridges the entry and the pool deck, resolving the transition between 'wet' and 'dry' zones and preserving interior maintenance.. Strategic Circulation
To resolve the transition between the lakefront and the private residence, we introduced a dedicated external circulation path. The entrance staircase connects the upper entry landing directly to the pool deck and amenities.
This architectural intervention effectively separates 'wet' and 'dry' traffic, allowing direct access to the outdoor pool and entertaining while preserving the maintenance of the main interior living zones.
A Breeze-Filled Retreat
Upstairs, the master suite was redesigned to prioritise rest and passive comfort. By replacing heavy glazing with a bank of adjustable louvres, the room now captures the prevailing south-east and north-west breezes. This natural ventilation allows the owners to fine-tune their environment, filling the room with the sounds and scents of the lake while maintaining a constant visual connection to the water.
A breeze-filled retreat. A bank of adjustable louvres replace heavy glazing, allowing the owners to capture cooling cross-breezes and wake up to the sounds of Wommin Lake. A Timeless Transformation
The Wommin Lake Residence stands as proof that a home doesn’t need to be demolished to be transformed. Through a thoughtful recalibration of its internal orientation and a softening of its boundaries, a once-rigid brick structure has emerged as a flexible coastal sanctuary. It is a residence that now works in perfect harmony with its environment - capturing the breeze, framing the view, and facilitating the relaxed, water-connected lifestyle that defines Fingal Head.
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Every great project starts with a conversation about the land, the orientation, and how you want to live in it.