As luxury homes go, Cremorne Waterfront is a standout. What’s not to love about beautifully formed architecture and interiors, exceptional amenity and sensational ocean views? It’s simply the total package. Designed by Studio Minosa with co-founders Darren Genner and Simona Castagna as design leads on the project, the interior of this 650-square-metre home is spread across five levels and has been expertly resolved to meet a lengthy list of facilities for the client and their growing family.
The architecture was designed by Hampton Architecture and sets the scene for the incredible interiors by Studio Minosa, with Co-founders Darren Genner and Simona Castagna as interior design leads on the project. The 650-square-metre home is spread across five levels and has been expertly resolved to meet a lengthy list of facilities for the client and their growing family.
Central to the brief was to make the most of the wonderful views and provide flexibility, where spaces could change when circumstances dictated. Studio Minosa has certainly delivered both these requirements with finesse.
As with every project there are challenges and, for the interior designers, one of these was the timing of the design and build. Client talks commenced at the very beginning of Covid, construction continued throughout the pandemic and completion occurred as life came back to normal. There were also structural issues, working around load bearing columns to ensure that views were unhindered and spatial flow was uninterrupted. Despite the obvious difficulties, though, the result is a triumph.
Cremorne Waterfront is located, as the name would suggest, in Cremorne, on the Lower North Shore of Sydney. The home faces Sydney Harbour foreshore and there are sensational views across the surrounding landscape that are enhanced by the floor to ceiling Vitrocsa windows that present as walls of glazing.
While this is a sophisticated and refined home, Cremorne Waterfront does not take itself too seriously, with playful inclusions, vibrant art and areas entirely allocated to enjoyment. For example, Richard Orlinski’s Wild Kong sculpture sets the tone for the design of the home as it commands attention from the light-well at the base of the first staircase. As a statement of strength and artistry, the piece anchors the space, its striking form juxtaposed against the home’s sleek architectural lines. More than just sculpture, it embodies the balance of style and playfulness that defines the residence. The client was also eager to showcase their large collection of Be@rbrick figures and these, along with the oversize Up Lounge chairs, add a certain touch of whimsy.
While the colour palette is minimal taking cues from nature, the addition of blue, the clients’ favourite colour, reflects the waterscape and the pool. Materiality is authentic too, with stone used to great effect in the kitchen and throughout the home, along with porcelain tiles and timber flooring.
Each of the five levels of Cremorne Waterfront is allocated a particular role, with the ground floor designated as the Wellness level; above this is the Summer level, next is the sleeping zone, and on the fourth floor are the public areas, with the main bedroom suite on the fifth floor at the very top.
With an impressive spatial layout, each level boasts outstanding detailing and finishes, while every design decision addresses the clients’ desire for an elegant and timeless aesthetic. The Wellness level even boasts a pool, gym and sauna with direct access to the waterway and jetty. Here, the outdoors merges with the indoors to provide places to gather, rest and play.
Meanwhile, at the entry there is a staircase that connects each floor and itself becomes a feature of the space along with a curved hall and an overhead skylight. For ease and comfort there is also a lift that services each of the five levels.
Moving up to the Summer level, there is ample room for activity with a games room that includes a foosball table, table tennis and gaming stations, as well as a kitchenette and powder room. This is the space in which everyone can unwind and indulge in playful activities and just have fun. The sleeping zone on the third level offers sanctuary and becomes the place for rest and relaxation. Each of the four bedrooms and ensuites are designed with care, blending comfort and calm while continuing the polished aesthetic that is the hallmark of the interior design.
Above this are the public areas and open-plan living at its best. With kitchen, dining room and lounge centre stage, the family can gather around the island bench, enjoy dinner at the dining table or simply sit on lounges to chat. Aside this area there is a study, powder room and cinema room for family entertainment. With sensational views on this level, it is the place to sit and watch the constantly changing vista of water, sky and land, whatever the time of day or season.
At the very top of the home is the pièce de résistance, a space that is flexible and can change over time to meet the needs of the family. Ultimately this space will be used as the main bedroom suite; however, at the moment, it is utilised by the residents as a place for entertaining. It’s a spectacular environment for parties (and for sleeping) and certainly has the wow factor in spades.
Along with the five levels of functional home, Cremorne Waterfront boasts terraces and curated gardens that add connection to nature and superb outside living. Genner explains: “The vision was to create an interior that exudes refinement and sophistication while embracing a sense of playfulness. Maximising the view was paramount. With no windows on either side of the building, every design decision was made to draw the eye outward to the water, where the ever-changing landscape becomes an integral part of the home’s experience.”
Cremorne Waterfront is a home designed for today but also for living well in the future. The architecture provides generosity of space, the interior has flexibility of use and together there is the perfect backdrop for a growing family. While there is every amenity and facility there is so much more to this home. Crafted with care and thoughtfulness, Cremorne Waterfront reflects the client’s desires and is, without a doubt, the total package.
Studio Minosa
studiominosa.com.au
