A surfer’s retreat is carved into complex site conditions to capture the priceless waterfront views of one of Sydney’s exclusive beaches.
Perched on a steep terrain in Palm Beach, Sydney, a surfer’s studio is cleverly concealed as a reclusive sanctuary to celebrate a simpler life. Carved into what are challenging environmental conditions and contours, Northern Lights has been designed and constructed by Cadence & Co. “What was once an overgrown jungle has been transformed through a combination of tenacity and skill. Clever engineering and construction have allowed this hillside studio to slot between two existing residences and in front of a protected native cheese tree,” Cadence & Co project architect Natasha Grice says.
Uniquely disguised at street level, the studio rests below the driveway, which ingeniously acts as the roof. This allows accessibility to the studio to remain discreet along a side passageway and reserved for those who know where it is. Taking cues from the geographic surroundings, the concrete roof has been shaped as a curve to mimic the surf, referencing its location.
The studio features a vintage Model 31 armchair by Alvar Aalto, Cadrys rugs and cushions, objects from The DEA Store and artworks from Curatorial+Co.
The hard-wearing material palette is carried through the interiors, as seen through the burnished concrete floors, engineered timber floorboards, and oak veneer cabinetry.
The studio features a Verner Panton Relaxer II rocker vintage chair.
Inside, the studio is programmed as an entire multi-function room, open to circulation, that is lent space through an outdoor balcony. Coastal views are naturally drawn in through the floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. The north-facing floor plan provides the studio with an abundance of natural light and maximised vignettes of the two-kilometre arc of Palm Beach. Depth is added to the studio with elevated ceiling heights that follow the curved form of the building’s roof, allowing the natural light and views to be further captured. Conversely, privacy is attained as cedar louvred windows mirror the arborous vegetation that envelops the treehouse abode—creating a dialogue with nature.
Ceramic Old White tiles from Earp Bros and a custom quartzite stone vanity are used to dress the bathroom.
Access to the studio is along the external side of the building via a Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic (FRC) staircase.
Raw and natural materials, such as concrete and timber, were used to construct the studio. Cadence & Co design principal Michael Kilkeary further explains, “Due to the harsh marine environment and difficult access for ongoing maintenance, materials were chosen to be robust and long-lasting. Hardwoods and copper accents will age and patina gracefully with the life of the building— settling into the natural environment.” Seamlessly, these same materials have been carried through the interiors where burnished concrete on the floors, micro cement in the wet areas, oak veneer cabinetry, and engineered timber floorboards have been applied. This natural palette is enduring for a surfer’s lifestyle and provides the perfect backdrop for the views to be absorbed—allowing the coast to be the singular act of focus— as a live work of art.
Northern Lights articulates the collective skills of architects, interior designers, craftspeople, and builders delivered by Cadence & Co’s team to model and realise an idyllic surfer’s retreat within complex site conditions.
Concrete, hardwoods, and copper characterise the exterior, to endure and naturally patina with the harsh conditions of the marine environment.
The surfer’s studio rests below the driveway, which ingeniously acts as the roof and is disguised at street level.
