Away Home

Contemporary coastal apartment renovation with refined stone detailing and ocean views

A refined coastal retreat, Away Home reimagines a three bedroom, two bathroom oceanfront apartment for a semi-retired couple seeking a calm and enduring counterpart to their primary Melbourne residence.

Drawing from the textures and formations of nearby rockpools, the material palette is grounded in stone, soft curves, and muted coastal tones. These references shape a home that feels both connected to its setting and quietly timeless.

Stone detailing becomes the defining element of the project. Conceived through practicality, each surface is carefully resolved to simplify daily use, particularly around sinks, vanities, and high-use areas. Edges are softened and junctions refined, allowing for easy cleaning and long-term durability. The gentle curvature of the stone also introduces a layer of safety for visiting grandchildren, with the by product of this thinking resulting in a sculptural and cohesive design language that carries throughout the home.

Natural light and sweeping ocean views are prioritised across the plan, reinforcing a sense of calm and openness. Spaces are arranged to support both everyday living and the ease of hosting family, balancing functionality with moments of quiet retreat.

Originally built in the 1980s, the apartment has been carefully reworked to improve spatial flow and increase integrated storage, all achieved without structural intervention. The result is a light filled and low maintenance home, where considered detailing elevates the everyday and creates a lasting connection to place.