Architecture

Avoiding The Coastal Cliché, With Mid Century Flair

We know mid-century modern is VERY big right now… but the Studio Esteta renovation of a Portsea home might be a new sub-genre. Introducing ‘mid-century coastal!”

This design is equally informed by the modernist bones of the building, and the surrounding coastline of port Phillip Bay.  An unbeatable combo!

Written
by
Miriam McGarry
Supports The Design Files

The Portsea Beach House by Studio Esteta. Photo – Sean Fennessey. Styling – Studio Esteta.

An elegant corner in the mid-century home. Photo – Sean Fennessey. Styling – Studio Esteta.

The renovations created new living spaces and plenty of room for visitors. Photo – Sean Fennessey. Styling – Studio Esteta.

A cosy fireplace, with coastal views out the window. Photo – Sean Fennessey. Styling – Studio Esteta.

A stone’s throw from Portsea Pier. Photo – Sean Fennessey. Styling – Studio Esteta.

The wood and stone tones reflecting the colour palette of the surrounding environment. Photo – Sean Fennessey. Styling – Studio Esteta.

A collection of ceramics on display. Photo – Sean Fennessey. Styling – Studio Esteta.

An open dining room for entertaining. Photo – Sean Fennessey. Styling – Studio Esteta.

Kitchen details. Photo – Sean Fennessey. Styling – Studio Esteta.

Subdued tones at the top of the new staircase. Photo – Sean Fennessey. Styling – Studio Esteta.

The new stairs case offers a sculptural element when visitors walk into the entry o the home. Photo – Sean Fennessey. Styling – Studio Esteta.

A perfectly framed sink. Photo – Sean Fennessey. Styling – Studio Esteta.

Mid-century coastal! Photo – Sean Fennessey. Styling – Studio Esteta.

Writer
Miriam McGarry
19th of July 2019

The Portsea House by Studio Esteta sits up high, overlooking the coastline of Port Phillip Bay, a stone’s throw from the Portsea Pier. The original mid-century residence has been updated to accommodate six (!) bedrooms, but the modernist character of the home has been thoughtfully retained.

The double storey home has been renovated within the existing building footprint, and maintains as distinctly mid-century identity. The architects have worked to create  new connections to the adjacent Weeroona Bay in a ‘non “coastal cliché” way.’

The modernist heritage of the home is referenced in various details – the re-use of unique wall hooks, and a re-use of damaged glazed mosaic tiles in the five wet areas. The architects highlight the new timber batten lined staircase that ‘pays tribute to the mid-century era, and becomes a prominent feature’, along with the slate internal flooring.

The new layout enhances the connection between the ground floor and exterior environment, by adding an additional living/retreat area, complete with bar! Crazy pavers offer a link between the home and beautiful surrounds, whilst the bagged and rendered white walls, warm timbers and natural stone palette further this connection to place, reflecting the colours and textures of the surrounding landscape.

The interior fit-out also pays homage to all things mid-century, with a Lampe De Marseille wall lamp by Le Corbusier, Panton Chair and Entre 1B Oak bedside tables. By introducing vintage and modernist furniture alongside contemporary pieces, the architects ensured ‘that a home was created with a strong sense of nostalgia and soul.’

This project is a finalist in the Interior Design category of the TDF Design Awards! See the full shortlist here.

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