In the Sydney coastal enclave of Curl Curl, a south-facing headland site offered opportunity and challenge in creating a casual resort feel, while capturing northerly sun and opposing views to Manly and the city.

Enter the compound and a covered walkway through a tropical walled garden leads to an imposing  carved timber door. Inside, crisp white walls accentuate timber ceilings and the sculptural staircase rising three level, skylit from above.      

Key to the brief was a separation of spaces from public to private. The program splits into pavilions over three levels with master suite and two secondary bedrooms each with an ensuite on the top pavilion, living rooms, dining, rumpus room and pool terrace on the middle level guest suite on the garden level, above an extensive basement garage housing utilities infrastructure storage, gymnasium and car-parking.       

Inside the palette of wire-brushed oak and limestone, travertine, marble and brass, lends a relaxed resort atmosphere. Outside, the facade use sandstone, tallow wood, aluminium battened screens and copper downpipes to withstand the corrosive coastal elements. Sustainable design includes double-glazed windows maximising light and airflow while reducing heat load, solar power generation with battery storage and rainwater harvesting for garden irrigation.