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Bespoke breeze blocks hallmark of Sydney seaside home

September 24, 2019 Leave a Comment

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Bricks really do seem to be having a moment. After decades of rendering over them, suddenly there they are, in all their exposed glory. And when it comes to this Sydney coastal home, designed by Renato Dโ€™Ettorre Architects, thereโ€™s no denying that bricks are the star of the show.

Renato Dettorre

โ€œThis house embodies the spirit of seaside living in response to a magical site on the ocean, and a steep rocky coastline with an ideal north-east aspect,โ€ says Renato of the home that, rather than opting for a โ€˜look at meโ€™ aesthetic uses layered materials to an understated end. Key elements of the design brief include a space for the children to socialise, a cellar, music room and small gym โ€“ all of which feature in the abode that is home to a busy young family of five.

Renato Detorre
What a view!
Pool
Pool

โ€œIt would have been easy to treat the ocean as the only design influence but that would have been one-dimensional,โ€ says Renato who found unlikely inspiration in the Italian countryside, of all places. It was on a visit to his Italian home in 2010 that the architect spotted a hay barn that was wrapped in perforated terracotta bricks that allowed air to pass through, yet kept the hay dry within. โ€œThe simplicity of the rectangular shaped barn in an open field left an indelible memory which became the conceptual basis for this house,โ€ says Renato.

Renato Detorre

When it came to sourcing the right material with which to create his vision, Renato looked to PGH Bricks who devised a bespoke brick solution. The unique bricks are made of light terracotta clay and feature a clear, brilliant white glaze on the reverse, designed to blend seamlessly with the white painted brick walls that form the exterior. โ€œThe glaze is designed to scintillate under sunlight, just as the ocean scintillates in morning sunlight,โ€ says Renato.

The house from the street
Understated: The house from the street

As for other challenges, excavating the site turned up more sandstone than had been initially anticipated. โ€œThis instigated a floor plan re-design to bring the natural beauty of the sandstone into the interior and to benefit from the sandstoneโ€™s cooling properties in the summer months,โ€ says Renato of the design feature that is no doubt one of the key talking-points of the home.

Cellar
The cellar is nestled beside great swathes of sandstone

For more | House tour: This luxe coastal retreat avoids seaside cliches

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Seb's first go karting ๐ŸŽ Really needs a spot Seb's first go karting ๐ŸŽ 

Really needs a spot on the grid for posterity! @damianfrancis couldn't have gone any faster and Seb loved every second. No fear, all thrill!

Lovely staff at @indy800karttrack near Windsor
Want to try a different tipple this weekend? Toda Want to try a different tipple this weekend?

Today's #iafoodiefriday recipe is a lemon and pink peppercorn spritz by our friends at @thewholefoodsrefillery ๐Ÿธ 

They'll give you 20% off your first order with our code. Find everything you need on the blog now via link in bio.

Cheers! 

#pinkpeppercorn #spritzlife
Those finishing touches make ALL the difference! Those finishing touches make ALL the difference! 

@kethy.australia, whose cabinet hardware I've used in my own kitchen, laundry and on my recent sideboard glow up, are passionate about bringing you the latest design and finishes from around the world!ย 

Their stunning timber knobs and handles from Denmark add texture, warmth and an organic feel to yourย projectsย that can only be achieved by using natural materials.

Whether you're embarking on a new build, renovating an existing kitchen, bathroom or laundry or updating a piece of furniture, Kethy have something for you in their huge range.

See it all online and find your local re-seller at their website via link in @kethy.australia bio.

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Before & after: Renovating a kitchen while keeping Before & after: Renovating a kitchen while keeping ALL the character!

What a great example this is by @huntingforgeorge 

See all the details, and the laundry, on the blog now, via link in bio.
The patient has very much bounced back! Letterbox The patient has very much bounced back!

Letterbox kinder egg deliveries from a friend, dressing changes without a flinch and refusing to nap despite all the bribes (check the face on him in pic 3!).

Thanks for all your care and messages/comments for this tired and shaken up mama! Now very relieved and grateful ๐Ÿ™
Before & after It's not just the award winning de Before & after

It's not just the award winning designer houses that get us excited here. It's also the beloved family homes which are renovated and extended to make them fit for purpose so people can continue to live where they love ๐Ÿค—

@inspiredspacesaus helped her clients with teenage kids transform this house in Sydney's Hills District inside and out, making it their forever home. 

Due to the nature of the block they could only extend sideways and then gave it street appeal with render, new windows and doors.

See inside on the blog now, via link in bio. It was completely overhauled!
Charlie doesn't recommend running head first into Charlie doesn't recommend running head first into tiled steps ๐Ÿค•

Oh what a night. Thankfully Hornsby Hospital were as amazing as always and we avoided stitches. All taped and glued  back together and now to keep him calm for the next few days (๐Ÿคช) and watch for signs of concussion. 

Bravest little patient ever. Yes I've had a ๐Ÿท

Funny how we go into super organised mama mode in times like these. Grabbed dinosaurs, textas and scrapbook on the way out in case we had a long wait!

UPDATE: thanks for all the love! Charlie is so well this morning after a big sleep!
Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressi Australian made bathroomware is seriously impressive!

The new @studio.xox ONLY sells Australian brands. Like @nood_co coloured basins, lead-free eco brass from @faucetstrommen and @lindseywherrett's  ceramic basins made by hand in Tassie.

And as for their Sydney showroom (they also sell online): WOW.

See and read more on the blog now via link in bio.

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I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new I'm THRILLED to be an ambassador for the brand new @madeinaustshow in Sydney this August.

๐Ÿฆ˜๐ŸจForget every tacky association you ever had about touristy Australian made and prepare to see a showcase of the best of home, lifestyle, fashion and beauty made right here. If the pandemic has made you appreciate buying local even more, this is for you.

It's the first business to business trade event connecting retailers with Australian made products to champion our local makers๐Ÿ™

Apply to exhibit or find out more at their website, via their bio, now!

Are YOU buying more Australian made post covid?

#madeinaustralia #australianmade #aussiemade #aussiedesign
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Amy Collins Walker

About Amy Collins Walker

Amy is our regular feature writer, an experienced journalist and interior stylist living in Perth, Western Australia. Find out more about her styling work at http://www.amycollinswalker.com/

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