Holborn

Project Overview

Sitting along the waterfront in Berkeley, HOLBORN is a contemporary coastal home designed for a young family who wanted a space that feels open, calm, and deeply connected to its surrounds. The brief was simple but ambitious, maximise the water views, create a floor plan that works across all stages of life, and craft a home that balances relaxed Australian living with refined architectural detail.

Reverse living allows the family to capture sweeping views from the moment they reach the upper level, while vaulted ceilings and thoughtfully placed windows fill the home with natural light and draw in the coastal breeze.

The Vision

Inspired by Australian contemporary coastal architecture, the design is rooted in simplicity, warmth and connection to nature. The palette leans into soft whites, warm timbers and brass accents to bring a serene, resort-style feel into the home.

Inside, minimal styling allows the natural surroundings to shine. Rattan pendants, timber cabinetry and terrazzo flooring layer warmth and texture, creating a calm and laid-back atmosphere throughout.
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Standout Features

Exterior

• Gable + flat roofline blending modern and traditional architecture
• Sharpline Colorbond Ultra architectural cladding
• Painted white brickwork
• Core-filled block retaining walls forming the sub-floor garage

Interior

• Vaulted raked ceiling in the main living zone
• Large picture window framing the waterfront
• Sliding doors connecting to the balcony for seamless indoor–outdoor flow
• Minimal coastal palette of soft whites + warm timbers
• Brass detailing, rattan textures and organic finishes

Materials & Construction

• Timber + steel framing
• Masonry walls to the garage level
• Steel portal frames for structural support
• Colorbond Ultra cladding for durability in a coastal environment

Challenges & Solutions

The Challenge

Building on a sloping block required careful planning and significant site preparation.

The Solution

The site was benched into two flat platforms. Excavators were craned onto the upper level to complete siteworks, drainage and slab preparation, ensuring the build could progress efficiently and safely despite the terrain.

The Outcome

The expansive picture window and sliding doors opening onto the balcony deliver a stunning, uninterrupted view of the waterfront, a clear favourite for the design team. The open-plan layout allows the family to gather, cook, relax and entertain with ease.

For the owners, the standout is the experience: a streamlined build journey, exceptional craftsmanship and a home that genuinely aligns with how they want to live.

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