Perched on a sloping site, Kefi House showcases a design aesthetic that seamlessly blends modern lines with coastal charm. Bathed in the glow of the Australian sun, this Sydney home, designed, built, and furnished by Cadence & Co, is a haven of warmth, celebration and connection.

The clients, a couple with a young child, sought to create a four-bedroom, three-bathroom relaxed yet considered family home, infused with a touch of Mediterranean style. They desired a space that would flow seamlessly from indoors to out, offering visual connection between the kitchen, living areas, rear garden, pool and harbour views beyond. The home also needed to comfortably accommodate visiting family from overseas, with a kitchen designed for both daily life and entertaining.

“The site has a spectacular outlook to the east, over North Harbour toward Manly, with leafy district views to the west, allowing the sunrise and sunset to spill deeply into the rooms of the house,” explains Michael Kilkeary, Cadence & Co’s design principal. “However, the steepness of the site presented a unique challenge in planning the layout, particularly the entry.”

The solution was a ‘garden stair’ detailed along the northern boundary, leading to an entry positioned midway along the plan. This approach unlocked a flowing, open design, with the kitchen located in the centre, acting as the heart of the home. Living spaces extend to both the eastern and western ends, culminating in a resort-style outdoor pool area nestled within the western lawn. Intelligent spatial planning ensures views to the harbour are maintained at the rear of the site.

Ascending the garden stair flanked by lush coastal planting, reveals a grand pivot door framed by a slatted timber ceiling. This considered entry sequence hints at the cohesive, calming spaces that await within.

A spacious open-plan design unfolds, with the clean and streamlined kitchen taking centre stage. An expansive marble island bench transforming at one end to a round oak casual dining table anchors the space, ideal for both intimate family meals and larger gatherings.

Curves, a recurring motif throughout the home, soften the modern lines. "These curving walls, extending from the ground floor to the upper level, create a soft and contemporary connection between levels and spaces," adds Natasha Grice, Cadence & Co's project architect.

Upstairs, the bedrooms are havens of tranquillity, with tactile materials and woven textures creating a sense of retreat. Downstairs, a garage and workshop offer practicality alongside the undeniable beauty of the home. An internal elevator seamlessly connects the three floors.

The house is focused on natural, textural elements. Raw timbers, destined to develop a silvery patina, contrast with the subtle texture of white-rendered walls. Hand-glazed Moroccan tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms introduce an artisan touch, while natural stone flooring enhances the seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Kefi House embodies Cadence & Co's expertise in delivering a collaborative and integrated design and build process, resulting in a home that not only reflects the homeowners' unique story but genuinely imbues "kefi" – a sense of joy, triumph and contentment.