A few years ago I was very privileged to buy a home for cash due to a very prosperous UK housing market. This good fortune afforded me the option to work as a freelance Interior designer and also renovate houses for a living. I also took a job in real estate as a legitimate way of looking round people’s homes for inspiration. Innovative architecture has always fascinated me and in particular historical buildings. Certainly in Europe some of the buildings are beautifully crafted and a delight to view. In contrast Australian mainly doesn’t have the same heritage and a lot of the dwellings are generic. Certainly progressive architects like Stuart Tanner are trying to change this perception by designing modern masterpieces like Dunalley House.
I first became aware of Stuart Tanner whilst doing extensive research for a book about Australian Architecture. My editor wanted me to include a diverse range of properties of all shapes and sizes. Certainly with the current economic climate readers want to see well designed contemporary properties that are actually affordable. After several lengthy conversations with Stuart we agreed on a beautiful home he had designed a few years ago called Dunalley House. Not only is this residence extraordinarily distinctive but it also has a heart warming back story.
Literally Dunalley House on the stunning Tasman Peninsular is like a Phoenix rising from the ashes. The clients previous holiday home was unfortunately burnt to the ground as a result of an aggressive bush fire in 2013. With a tight budget and difficult site to navigate Stuart Tanner created a wonderful sanctuary. The property has a seemingly floating contemporary appearance and perfectly frames sensational views of Dunalley Bay and Mount Wellington. I love the simple palette of concrete, steel, timber and glass, which is incredibly effective. These materials have also been used to limit exposure to future potential bushfires and severe storms. Internally the minimalistic composition is maximized to its full potential with a high quality range of modern fixtures, furniture and artwork.
