A panoramic view of the Indian Ocean

Located in Swanbourne, a coastal suburb of the City of Nedlands just outside Perth in Western Australia, Rob Roy stands out for its clean, rational architecture and a concept of contemporary comfort inspired by traditional minimalism in terms of its design cues, aesthetics and understated luxury. Designed by the team of architects from Weststyle, Rob Roy opens with a large entry foyer where one can almost feel and smell the ocean breeze caressing the elegant pendant lamps suspended from the high ceilings. Although lacking a direct view of the nearby Indian Ocean, its boundless presence is clearly perceptible and the sensation of freedom and open plan living extends throughout the property, leading out to a generous cabana area. Completed between 2019 and 2020, the home is built on two floors: the ground floor with the large entry foyer, the kitchen/dining/living room leading to a pergola, a scullery with laundry room, garage and utility room; and the first floor with sleeping area consisting of a master suite (large bedroom, dressing room, ensuite bathroom with separate WC), a quiet retreat space, two bedrooms (one of which can be converted into a study), and a secondary bathroom. “The clients had requested a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a separate retreat space and integrated kitchenette directly adjacent to the upstairs master suite,” explains Hayley Prendiville, Brand & Communication Executive at Weststyle. “The house was designed for a retired couple, one of whom is a wheelchair user, and a visiting family with children (the couple’s grandchildren). This meant that some of the details had to be thought through very carefully, such as the zero-height thresholds for the external doors, a lift and bespoke powder-coated handrails for the main bathroom. The owners wanted the entry foyer to create a real wow factor, which was provided by the double-height void space with angular walls.” The residence stands out for its sense of understated luxury coupled with refined details and finishes, such as the Nordic Stone porcelain floor tiles in a matt finish and Iceland colour (45×90 cm), which enhance the sense of depth of the corridors. The full-height glazing in the living area overlooking the outdoor areas of the house is also very striking. The home is beautifully designed. It is inspired by modernism while remaining warm and functional, reflecting the owners’ desire to spend quality time enjoying the pleasant outdoor climate with their family.