Eclectic Family Home With A Special Connection To Its Beautiful Surroundings

The Byron House is a contemporary residence built by studio Paul Uhlmann Architects. It’s located in Byron Bay, Australia and has a very interesting and eclectic look. When they designed the house, the architects were guided by their clients’ desire for a home that gives them warmth and comfort and makes them feel safe and sheltered but at the same time gives them the opportunity to become invested in the beauty of the natural surroundings and the magnificent views.

Big louvres and panels conceal the windows and enhance the privacy and security throughout the house
Big louvres and panels conceal the windows and enhance the privacy and security throughout the house

In order to achieve such a combination of attributes, the team chose a similar palette of materials for both the interior and the exterior of the house. This ensured a seamless and natural transition between the indoor and the outdoor areas and also made the exterior sections feel more like extensions of the indoor living areas. Furthermore, additions such as the stone fireplace and stone-clad interior and exterior walls blur the boundaries even more.

The interior and exterior of the house were designed with lots of warm and earthy materials
The interior and exterior of the house were designed with lots of warm and earthy materials
Large sliding doors open the living areas to the terrace and the swimming pool area
Large sliding doors open the living areas to the terrace and the swimming pool area

The intention was to create a house that looks and feels open and relaxed and that was achieved by incorporating large windows, oversized sliding doors and various other elements into the design. There are numerous interesting featured scattered throughout the house. To mention just a few, the open plan social space has a sunken sitting area and the living room transitions outside where there’s a large terrace framed by a lap pool. Another really cool area is the library which resembles a box suspended above the pool. The architects also made sure to take advantage of the wonderful views of the lighthouse, the beach and the bay by creating openings and platforms from where they can be admired.

A large two-sided stone fireplace serves as an elegant focal point and a space divider
A large two-sided stone fireplace serves as an elegant focal point and a space divider
Wood, stone and glass were combined into an eclectic design with a very inviting look
Wood, stone and glass were combined into an eclectic design with a very inviting look
All the main living areas are clustered along the central spine with a staircase which connects the floors
All the main living areas are clustered along the central spine with a staircase which connects the floors
The color palette employed throughout the house is defined by various dark tones
The color palette employed throughout the house is defined by various dark tones
The wood-paneled floor, ceiling and walls create a very warm and welcoming ambiance inside the house
The wood-paneled floor, ceiling and walls create a very warm and welcoming ambiance inside the house
The kitchen is positioned in one of the corners and has a large L-shaped counter which doubles as a divider
The kitchen is positioned in one of the corners and has a large L-shaped counter which doubles as a divider
Wood was also used for the bathroom ceiling and it adds a really nice spa-like look to this space
Wood was also used for the bathroom ceiling and it adds a really nice spa-like look to this space
The house has also been optimized to maximize the views and to take advantage of them
The house has also been optimized to maximize the views and to take advantage of them