A beachside residence takes cues from its natural surroundings to render metropolitan refinement with coastal serenity.
Emerging from Sydney’s Balmoral enclave, Urban Sea House by Daniel Boddam ascends across four tiered levels, optimising its views of the sea at every opportunity. Its monolithic exterior is softened by contrasts, from its sandstone base with the Mediterranean-rendered mid-section, terraced gardens and curved walls. These subtle breaks in form are pronounced through the bronze-aluminium breeze soleil and warm and dark timber cladding, especially in the recessed pavilion above.
Designed for clients living abroad, the architect and founder explains, “I wanted to create a sense of calm and connection to place. Given their frequent international travel, the residence needed to function as a sanctuary—a space that immediately signals arrival home.” To emphasise the home’s vast scale, a suspended ceramic art installation by Kelly Farley under a diffused skylight welcomes guests, while the sand-like veins of travertine and stucco walls guide further into the home.