Culbara - Sunshine Coast, Australia

The layout responds to the climate, with living spaces flowing effortlessly outside to the landscaped pool area, which overlooks the river, and an interior layout that encourages open movement around the home. The walls themselves allow the house to breathe, with floor-to-ceiling louver panels down the wide hallway.

This is accentuated by concrete floors, which give a cool texture underfoot. In the lounge, these hard surfaces are softened by the use of Abodo Vulcan Panelling (135x10mm) in a warm Protector - Teak on the ceiling and along the stairway wall. This carries through into the bedroom with operable timber batten screens overlooking the waterfront view. These can be closed against the weather or opened to let in the breeze on warm days.

Aside from the contemporary combination of concrete greys and timber hues, colour is introduced in the bathroom and pool area by a mosaic of high-gloss blue tiles, which sparkle in the sunlight, and also by lush green landscaping that surrounds the home and enters some of the interior spaces via well-placed planter boxes.

The result is a home that breathes, with lofty, breezy interior spaces that encourage flow of movement and full enjoyment of the riverside location. From the street and from the river, the house has a soft, contemporary style that gives a calming impression.