Originally a brown brick, terracotta tile home typical of Perth’s northern beach suburb of Marmion, the new transformation realised by State of Kin is a 1970 – 80s-era suburban coastal house with a street-enhancing design statement that offers both the site and owner a new lease on life.

When the client bought the home, they approach­ed State of Kin with an open brief to create something bold, key require­ments being to improve shade and privacy.

The home had solid bones, so the designers' approach retained the existing building. The exterior is lifted by an ochre-red perforated steel struc­ture that envelopes the facade, im­part­ing a striking yet cohesive appear­ance, serving as a privacy screen and offering dyn­amic sunlight filtration. Fresh white paint over the original brick exterior updates the aesthetic, while the retention of curved elements and the breeze­blocking in the front wall are reminders of the past.

The home’s interiors flow on from the indivi­duality of the exterior, combining colours, materials, patterns and shapes to create a sense of joy and warmth befitting of the ’Play House’ title. Each room has its own character, but all share a common design language, brought together by cork and terrazzo floor­ing and a dusty, nature-inspired palette running throughout. Archways are utilised to create portals that facilitate seamless tran­sition between each space, creating dialogue and flow.

The cork floors are a nod to the home’s original 70s feel, while also a sustainable solution that is gorgeous underfoot.