The “Waterfront Retreat” by Koichi Takada Architects is a new project in Sydney that can inspire you if you want to buy a waterfront home. It was designed on a steeply sloping lakeside lot with sandstone and expansive water views. According to the architects, the design should not speak too loudly. What matters is how you live in it and how you connect with the environment. The designers' goal is to create a minimalist ambience that better showcases the beautiful nature.
Innovative architecture on the coast
The Waterfront Retreat is the epitome of an Australian dream home, complete with private beach, garden and open plan living area. The design responds to the client's brief to provide both a sanctuary and entertainment. The building is designed to blend in with the natural surroundings and provide maximum seclusion. The architects also thought about the seascape by incorporating the impressive view into the design.
The dream house with a view of the vastness of Pittwater is located on a steep rock near the shore. A terraced, four-story building extends gradually to the northwest and collapses into the water with the property. A series of artificial rocks, or floating platforms, float above the recessed, stacked and flagstone podium. These are presented as a series of cantilevered concrete slabs. To maximize the feeling of levitation, the panels are tapered to a finer point, with the living and dining areas appearing primarily as a floating box. So the terraced house steps down gradually to the water, while the floating platforms hover above the podium.
To experience the magnificent changing light of the site through the hours, days and seasons, the designers uselarge floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, skylights and oversized cantilevered balconies. These connect the residents with the surrounding nature through the view. As you walk in, you can immediately enjoy the water views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. A glass door leads onto a balcony with an almost invisible glass fence.
Simple interior design
The interior of the building covers an area of 1600 m². These have a very inviting effect on the four main levels, creating a feeling of intimacy and warmth even with the largest open area. The second floor master suite features eastern views and four bedrooms on the upper entry level. The roof terrace makes the rooms look flooded with light and offers the residents the joyful warmth of the morning light.
The team used sand-colored plain stone to create walls, while transparent floor-to-ceiling glass allows for uninterrupted views. The third level features an open-plan living area, kitchen and a multi-functional room at the rear. On the lower floor of the house, the interior designers have created a very relaxed atmosphere with a cozy living room.
So the living room, dining room and kitchen share the same space, with the dining table anchored in the open floor plan by a large rug and a single pendant light. The room has a high ceiling, and the long dark wood table just mentioned seats 14 people. When you buy a waterfront home like this, you can also enjoy a home theater, bar, gym and various entertainment areas. On the other side of the bar counter is an outdoor lounge area. This features a ceiling-mounted swing and another large sandstone wall.
Minimalist outdoor space with accents
Just a few steps from the living room you reach the pool area. From the angle below you can see that the house is also equipped with large wooden slats as a screen for more privacy.
The infinity pool extends almost the entire width of the house, while an adjacent sunken lounge area with a fireplace creates a place to relax. You can look back at the building from the swimming pool with its hidden water edge. This means you can also see the cantilevered concrete slabs that are integrated into the design.
Back inside, the bedroom opens onto a private balcony decorated with hanging chairs and a large round black planter. The bathroom also has a sliding glass door, which allows you to access an outdoor shower.
