Bower House

In many homes, the transition from interior to exterior feels abrupt, a threshold that separates rather than connects. Here, we worked to dissolve those boundaries, creating a property where the garden feels like an extension of the living room, and the interior spaces open generously to embrace the landscape beyond.

Balancing Front and Rear Aspects

Given the expansive views from the front of the house, the rear needed to be something special. It would have been easy to focus solely on capturing those stunning vistas, but the rear of the property required equal attention to create a complete living environment. The challenge was to design outdoor spaces that could hold their own, areas that would draw the family outside even when the views were not the primary attraction.

The solution lay in creating distinct outdoor rooms, each with its own character and purpose. Entertaining spaces, relaxed seating areas, and functional zones were carefully positioned to maximise privacy whilst maintaining a sense of openness. The rear landscape needed to feel like a destination in itself, not simply the back of the property.

Materials Selected for Life and Longevity

The materiality of the project was selected for cohesiveness and durability, suited to both large gatherings and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Manly’s coastal environment demands materials that can withstand salt air, strong sun, and the wear that comes with frequent use. We chose finishes that would age gracefully, developing character rather than showing wear.

Stone, timber, and neutral palettes were carried from interior to exterior, creating visual continuity that strengthened the connection between spaces. The same tones that appear in the interior joinery reappear in the outdoor structures, whilst the flooring transitions smoothly from inside to out, making the boundary almost invisible.

A Focus on the Finer Details

Detail was a defining priority throughout the project. From the alignment of sightlines to carefully planned lighting that extends usability into the evening, every element was refined to support the home’s sense of flow. It’s the smaller decisions, the width of a doorway, the height of a planter, the spacing of pavers, that determine whether a space feels cohesive or disjointed.

Design and Build: Landart

Landart project team: Tom Wright, Matt Leacy

Interior: Alanna Designs