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Kate Lawrence and Luke Parker opted for a ‘contemporary coastal’ vibe for the exterior and outdoor area of their inner Sydney duplex
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When Kate, an interior designer, and Luke, of the Sydney Swans, began discussing the kind of duplex they wanted to build, they did plenty of research on similar properties in the inner suburbs of Sydney.
“Before we found our block, I’d looked at duplexes selling in our area to find out what they included,” says Kate. “So, how many bedrooms and bathrooms were popular? I noticed that the duplexes that were selling for a premium price all had pools. So, when it came to deciding the layout of the backyard, Luke and I both wanted to include a pool.”
A pool was essential.
Making a splash
The pool is a key feature. With their architect, pool designer and builder, Kate and Luke decided to place the pools against the dividing wall of the duplex to maximise the remaining space. This also saved them money.
“We dug one big pool and put the retaining wall down the middle to divide the two houses and the two pools,” says Kate.
Minimalist glass fencing separates the pool area from the garden. The couple have planted greenery along the dividing wall that will eventually cascade and become a green, tropical wall. Limestone pavers edge the pool, adding tone and texture.
Greenery and more greenery
Luke took the lead on designing the garden – plants and gardening are a passion. He sketched what he wanted. This included plenty of bamboo screening and hedging to ensure privacy for both properties. Olive trees feature in the front and back. As they grow, they’ll offer welcome shade.
Landscaping became Luke’s specialised area.
“We looked at landscapers’ pictures to see what plants they used and that inspired us,” Kate explains. “We also found out what plants would stand the test of time and that were suited to our sandy soil. We used plants that were easy to maintain.”
An irrigation system keeps the plants well hydrated.
Made for entertaining
A roomy L-shaped timber deck that flows from indoors to the pool is ideal for entertaining on warm nights. It’s big enough to accommodate an outdoor dining table and chairs, plus a lounge setting. The neighbouring duplex also has a firepit.
“One of the biggest elements for Luke and I was that we wanted an open plan house inside that flows through to the outside,” says Kate.
“Our floorboards inside are blackbutt and so is the decking. The decking will change over time. (It will) grey off and blend with the indoors. The interior flooring and the deck are the same height which makes the flow from inside to outside seamless.”
A firepit makes for an inviting space in the winter.
Fashionable facade
The facade of the duplex is modern with a nod to the coastal charm of a beachside property. The cantilevered balconies and the natural timber slat effect on the garages ensure the properties look equally at home in inner Sydney or a stylish coastal town.
“We opted for a blend of white, timber and stone for the facade to echo that contemporary coastal feel,” explains Kate. “They were our three key elements — I like to use three colours in whatever I do, inside and out.”
The welcoming facade would be at home in Sydney, or a coastal town.
Finding exactly the right shade for the timber was the hardest part of creating the facade.
“I had a colour in my mind,” says Kate. “I saw it on a house in Mosman and finding a stain that was the same took a while. We actually ended up mixing two different stains.
“Another feature Luke and I are really happy with is how both entrances look like they belong to two freestanding houses. Each is quite private which is exactly what we wanted.”
A front door you’d want to come home to.
All pictures: Hannah Blackmore Photography
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