AFTER a long stint in suburbia, Phil and Kay Donnan were ready for a sea change.
They bought their vacant lot in a new subdivision at Caves Beachside Estate and enlisted the help of G. J. Gardner in envisioning their new home.
It's now a generous 280-square metre four-bedroom, two-bathroom structure with an expansive deck overlooking the coast.
The couple began with a Hamilton 280 standard design and modified it to suit developer guidelines for the estate and council guidelines for Caves Beach.
The result is a seamless love affair between sleek modernity and beachside living that feels sympathetic to the surrounds.
On the first floor is a double garage with three of four bedrooms slotted alongside a rumpus room, laundry and bathroom.
The second level features combined living, dining and lounge areas, and the master bedroom and parents' retreat nestles comfortably at the rear.
The Donnans said it was a fairly trouble-free construction, although some thought was given to design, inclusions and structural elements because of the location's high winds.
As a result, external cladding is a durable combination of bagged and rendered brick, and James Hardie's Scyon Linea lightweight cladding. Scyon is an advanced lightweight cement composite with heavy-duty performance that resists termites, rot and fire.
A squared-off facade is given depth by asymmetrical roofing, and the combination of external materials blends because of a neutral colour palette.
Neutrals continue through the interior, with clean shades of white offset by timber in the solid front door and winding staircase.
Large high-gloss tiles are used throughout the entry and hallway, making it simple to clean up sand marched in from the beach opposite.
The second level has Blackbutt timber floorboards, with the kitchen and dining areas flowing on to an expansive tiled deck that has vast coastal views.
An ultra-modern kitchen, designed by Magnet Kitchen and Joinery at Cardiff, sits to one side of the generous combined living area. It has white polyurethane cabinetry, Caesarstone benchtops, bold silver handles, a floating gas cooktop and appliances, and a silver glass splashback.
A walk-in pantry minimises clutter, and white leather bar stools sit tucked beneath the benches, perfect for breakfasting or entertaining with a view.
Floor-to-ceiling windows are fitted with shutters for both privacy and control of the salty breeze.
Shutters were also utilised on the deck to provide privacy and protection from weather, while a glass balustrade makes the most of views.
The Donnans hoped their new home would take advantage of the beach views while embracing the local beach culture - a careful negotiation in theory that feels effortless in practice.
