Coastal Zen

In Queensland’s Noosa National Park, a family retreat fully immersed in the surrounding treescapes and seascapes

The surfboards propped in the entryway of this peaceful 650-square-metre house set in the lush  rainforests of Queensland’s Noosa National Park set the tone for what’s in store. The spectacular location uniquely combines treescapes and seascapes, and left an immediate impression on its owners — two Australian sisters with young families looking for a coastal retreat.

Originally built in the early 80s, the three-storey house has been given a new lease on life by Melbourne-based Mim Design, which has instilled the interiors with a sense of natural luxury and homey comfort. ‘This is our fourth project with this client, and we’ve been able to immerse them in the feeling of living within a rainforest and the luxury of a unique, relaxing and authentic home,’ says principal designer Miriam Fanning. ‘We know each other well at this point, so it was a great collaboration.’

A planked boardwalk leads guests through the tropical rainforest surrounds to a small entry vestibule flanked by surf gear and other beach paraphernalia. The small space opens up to an airy extension bathed in natural sunlight, including an open kitchen, dining area and outdoor balcony. ‘The balcony is like a second living and dining space in the summer months’, says Fanning. Beyond the central island, a glass backsplash frames views of jungle palms, highlighting the integral indoor-outdoor design of the home.

‘The previous floor plan lacked connection to the rainforest and ocean, missing the sentiments of relaxation from nature’s surrounding abundance,’ says Fanning. ‘With planning and reconfiguration of each room, we’ve created a sanctuary. The new layout of the space creates a total sense of ease.’

The home’s relaxed holiday vibe is achieved through a mix of natural materials and a simple colour palette. Natural stone, timber flooring, concrete and charred timber cladding, and copper detailing contribute to a subdued environment for rest and relaxation. In the bathroom, subway tiles in a vertical formation echo the high-reaching palm branches visible through new black-framed windows.

‘Our inspiration came from the surroundings, making sure the home worked within the tropical rainforest, combined with the coastal surf environment,’ says Fanning. ‘This project is one I’ve always dreamed of working on. It’s an easy, beautiful home that transports the dwellers from their everyday routine with a sense of ease.’ Just steps away from the legendary breaks of Granite Bay, the owners enjoy active relaxation — or what Fanning calls ‘a calm coastal Zen’ — in their rainforest retreat. ‘Our clients have been holidaymakers in Noosa for more than fifteen years, and this home embodies everything Noosa is to them — pristine, coastal, forested, calm,
elegant, textured, casual and effortless.’

Text / Karine Monie
Images / Andrew Richey