Concrete House – Boutique Accommodation in Torquay, Victoria
Concrete House, designed by AuHaus Architecture, is a boutique accommodation destination that you won’t want to leave!
Words: Hande Renshaw I Photography: Derek Swalwell
Brass table by local furniture maker Von Steel. Photo: Derek Swalwell
Design details at Concrete House. Photo: Derek Swalwell
‘We really wanted to bring guests together in this living space with selected furniture pieces that were playful, comfortable and luxurious,’ says Briony Delves. Photo: Derek Swalwell
Briony Delves and Graham Paull, from Society of Wanderers and Sunday Sailor, wanted to create escape destinations, which also needed to be a completely immersive experience – so they set out to design their boutique accommodation home, Concrete House in Torquay, Victoria, with the help of AuHaus Architecture.
‘Concrete House is stunning by purely the architecture alone. When you arrive, the sense of compound and enveloped architecture is hypnotic – the intent for the fit-out was to be highly social, with moments of refuge and privacy. The furniture and art needed to be playful, sophisticated and balanced with the architectural proportions,’ says Briony.
Both Sunday Sailor locations, Concrete House and Foam House, have their own distinct personality - each inviting us to enjoy and explore architecturally designed spaces in a residential setting, spaces which are not usually available to experience for a holiday break. ‘Residential architecture is often reserved for private spaces – we aspire for Sunday Sailor to celebrate and share great architecture with everyone,’ says Briony.
A notable design feature in Concrete House is the addition of artwork in a plethora of vibrant tones and abstract forms.
‘Artwork is so important and can change the atmosphere of a house,’ says Briony, ‘We like to be subtle in Australian identity and really love finding amazing local artists. The proportions of the architecture demanded oversized pieces that might not necessarily work anywhere else, but were ideal for Concrete House.’
Concrete House is a place to completely unwind and immerse yourself somewhere that’s unlike your everyday. With four bedrooms (perfect to accomodate two families), private courtyards, a lush garden, a tennis table and barbecue, there is an abundance of space so that everyone can find their own nook to enjoy or come together over the large dining table or sofas.
The striking kitchen with full height marble splashback. Photo: Derek Swalwell
‘The intent for the fit-out was to be highly social, with moments of refuge and privacy.’ Photo: Derek Swalwell
‘The fireplace is one of my favourite elements – some of my favourite evenings or afternoons are by the fireplace, playing with the kids, or having friends over,’ says Briony Delves. Photo: Derek Swalwell
“Residential architecture is often reserved for private spaces – we aspire for Sunday Sailor to celebrate and share great architecture with everyone.”
Concrete House features floor to ceiling windows throughout, capturing beautiful views with a plethora of natural light. Photo: Derek Swalwell
Bedroom linen by Society of Wanderers. Photo: Derek Swalwell
Concrete elements are echoed throughout the home, including the bathroom. Photo: Derek Swalwell
The lush garden is private and secure, complete with a barbecue for warmer days. Photo: Derek Swalwell
‘It can be really difficult to integrate services, doors, windows into a concrete house – we’re really happy with the design solutions that AuHaus Architecture delivered.’ Photo: Derek Swalwell
Concrete House is tucked away on a quiet street with huge doors that seamlessly integrate the outdoors to the indoors. Photo: Derek Swalwell