Tropical warmth and views to the Coral Sea inspired this light and airy uniquely North Queensland abode in Port Douglas – a success story in open plan living for the environmentally attuned.
Bifold doors extend across living, bedroom and bathroom spaces opening up the wonderland of nature outside.
The design has been likened to a massive bird perched upon a ridge in preparation for flight. The unassuming exterior opens to reveal a platform balanced in the bosom of mother nature. Environment and living areas blend as one wholesome holistic lifestyle experience.
The monumental slab is an engineering feat, incorporating 120 cubic metres of concrete (24 trucks loads of Ready Mix) with concrete pumped into massive form work. Beneath the slab, slender but strong eight metre concrete “columns” tower upwards like tree trunks supporting the building above.
The solid earthiness of the main entrance at ground level contrasts with the opposite side of the home, which is lofty and suspended over the escarpment and a tropical creek.
This is a delightful place to escape the world and spend some time with nature, yet not forego modern luxury living. It’s a trendy, upmarket, nature canopy viewing platform with all the provisions of home.
Frameless glass stacking doors extended across the eight metre opening, with no support columns between living areas and verandah.
The renowned architect Chris Van Dyke agrees it was and engineering challenge, with a concealed steel truss used for strength. The glass stacking doors tuck away into specically created niches adding to the open, no fuss feel.
Designed so that one can sit in the pool and look through the house to the view on the other side. The lounge, kitchen and dining area are open and flow into one.
One side is the pool and embankment and the view is on the other side.
Transparency is created by the use of stainless steel balustrading (100mts in length) and contributes to abundance of light to give the feeling of floating across the treetops.
The property features four distinct zones – main bedroom and study, guest area, living spaces and services.
Water takes a leading role in this design, both in physical form and the colour scheme. Colours were chosen to reflect the surrounding environment, with the main structure featuring earthy tones.
Easy clean, unfilled travertine tiles imported from Italy are used for house, verandah and pool areas to create a seamless interconnection.
As with other facets of this structure, the kitchen is a “no fuss” design. The entire stone benchtop is open to both sides so that it is free for serving and features drawers but no cupboards. A bulkhead with concealed lights and a 1.5m splashback from bench height to bulkhead. Suspended fluro lighting held firm by wire cables is featured throughout the home.
No matter what the humidity, a cool feel is achieved with natural cooling aided by the long east to west axis, well shaded living areas to the north, open planning, adjustable windows and doors and minimal disturbance of the natural vegetation.
Recessed and projected cabinetry and niches create a three dimensional effect with shadow lines for depth in an otherwise minimalist lounge room.
The sensual essence of North Queensland Tropicana can be enjoyed from both the main bedroom and spa, which are open totally to the forest canopy and night skies.
The pool and verandah are well utilised living areas with expansive panoramic views over the Coral Sea taking in Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation.
For full details, a copy of the Sustainability Declaration or to arrange an inspection contact Exclusive Agent Ian Johnson on 0424 161 656 or Century 21 Port Douglas Real Estate on 07 4099 4099.
A copy of the Sustainability Declaration is held by the AGENCY.