Feature: About Turn

Set high above Moncks Bay, this home was designed to capture the calm beauty of its coastal setting through a refined and timeless architectural language. From the outset, our intent was to create something that felt familiar yet contemporary — a home rooted in its environment, shaped by light, and built to last.

The Brief

Our clients, Lisa and Nick, wanted a home that balanced simplicity with character — something honest, enduring and comfortable. Their lifestyle centres around the outdoors and connection to the sea, so the design needed to frame those views while feeling grounded and private.

The Design

We drew on the traditional gable form as a starting point, reinterpreting it with modern precision. Two strong rooflines define the home, with deep eaves and layered planes that anchor it to the hillside. The simplicity of the geometry allows the material palette to speak — cream brick cladding, black steel, and glass combine for a soft, textural contrast that shifts beautifully in changing light.

Inside, the plan is arranged along a central spine that connects the social spaces and maintains sightlines to the ocean. The kitchen forms the heart of the home, defined by a marble island and warm timber cabinetry, complemented by brass fixtures and soft neutrals that create a sense of calm.

Framing the View

The connection between interior and landscape was fundamental. Expansive glazing brings the sea and sky into the living spaces, while smaller, framed openings capture focused views and changing light. The shared living areas open to sheltered outdoor spaces, creating a seamless transition between inside and out — perfect for the coastal lifestyle.

Materiality and Mood

Natural materials ground the home: stone, timber, and textured fabrics add warmth to the minimal palette. In the bedroom, botanical wallpaper introduces a touch of softness, a subtle reflection of the surrounding hillsides and native planting.

Every detail — from the proportions of the windows to the tactile finishes underfoot — was considered to create a quiet sense of order and ease. The result is a home that feels calm, connected, and unmistakably at home on the hill.