MOUNTAIN VIEW CABIN
MOUNTAIN VIEW CABIN
MOUNTAIN VIEW CABIN
MOUNTAIN VIEW CABIN
Renovation to an existing 1970's two story double brick home in a Mid Modern Century style.
PROJECT BRIEF
Nestled in the lush green hinterland of one of the Sunshine Coast’s most prized treasures, Maleny, is a south facing slope, host to an unassuming 1970’s two storey brick dwelling. Danika Rae Designs' approach to renovate 99 Greenacre Drive was done so with careful consideration to not only improve the physical appearance of the property, but to also enhance its livability and functionality in a sophisticated mid modern style.
Rather than using elaborate styles that are commonplace with so many design trends, mid-century style shows a blatant disregard and opts for clean lines, minimal furnishings and an openness that is almost minimalistic. With its existing modest facade, low roofline and lack of grandeur, Danika Rae Design identified existing consistencies with mid modern style and ensured the material selection and finishes would serve to only enhance its natural beauty.
DESIGN APPROACH
It was obvious the small existing living and dining areas were suffering at the expense of limited space, so the addition of an external carport and a removal of its connecting wall, opened this space and allowed its weary walls to breathe once again. An important design feature in mid-modern homes was the integration of indoors with outdoors. To achieve this, expansive windows and large sliding doors were fitted to allow natural light to flood the interior and showcase Maleny’s breathtaking beauty. These doors enable easy access to the newly renovated northern and southern decks, which encourage a life outdoors and make socialising easy. The dark and light warm hues of spotted gum decking are the true charm of the exterior of the property. The shimmering wood tones provide a beautiful contrast with the cool fibreglass pool and the fresh modern vertical white timber cladding. The simple vertical and horizontal planes of the new decking and exterior walls, assert an edge of sophistication but does not stray from design style of this renovation.
In terms of vegetation, a host of plants and trees native to the mid modern period, provide shade during the hot summer months in Queensland. With heritage species such as poplars, deciduous elms, hibiscus, and oak trees, an essence of life is breathed into the property.
Moving indoors, a vast selection of houseplants embellish the rooms and follow the mid modern philosophy of uniting indoors with outdoors. Ferns, cacti, orchids, night-scented lilies, fiddle leaf and dracaena trees soften the interior that is a heavily reliant on raw materials for finishes and furnishings, such as steel, brick, timber and concrete. Impressive spotted gum beams adorn the high pitched ceiling, creating a warm homely feel, while a stunning white brick wall stands proudly as the host of a grey marble feature wall and fireplace in the living area. Polished concrete was commonplace in mid-century homes and is the flooring of choice for this renovation. To trick the eye into seeing one large space, rather than separate rooms, we committed to a uniform flooring material, and selected concrete looking ceramic tiles for the two bathrooms to achieve further consistency.
SCAN FOR 3D VIEW
OF LIVING SPACES
Large scale furniture, such as the sofa lounges and bar stools with hair pin legs, work as statement pieces that give the new living area a much grander feel. Holding true to mid modern style, this furniture is constructed with durable hardwoods such as beechwood, walnut, rosewood and teak. Taking inspiration from influential mid-century furniture designers such as Mies Van Der Rohe and Arne Jacobsen, the Barcelona Chair, Egg Chair and Egg Table set can be seen in the dining areas, study room and master bedroom. In these settings, steel and wood play a strong role which further draw upon the native elements of mid modern style. Display books, ceramic pots, and plants can be seen which weave character into space. Above, the new kitchen benches and teak cabinetry hold earthy tones and are a core representation of what this house stands for, ease and beauty. Residents will find joy in spending time in the kitchen; creating and socializing, with the inclusion of benchtop stools, and impressive window that looks onto the pool area.
‘Timeless bathrooms with unmatched elegance’
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Clean Lines
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Teak Cabinetry
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Tiles Take the Stage
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Indoor Plants
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Brass Mid Century Style Tapware and Fittings
BATHROOMS
The stunning ensuite pictured below features daring subway tiles in differing green shades. These tiles are boldy interrupted by a gorgeous freestanding bath on a raised ledge, with an expansive fixed window, making this bathroom an absolute showstopper. Couple a cozy book with a bottle of wine and be prepared to lose hours soaking up this exquisite view! Pictured above and to the left is the main bathroom. Featuring neutral ceramic pencil tiles with uneven glaze and edging, the space asserts a degree of rawness in an otherwise sleek space. Ceramic concrete floor and wall times coat the remainder of the bathroom and provide continuity to the remainder of the home that is home to polished concrete flooring. The modest tones in this bathroom allow the eye to fully appreciate the stunning custom teak vanity that is reminiscent of mid-modern century design. The oblong wall-mounted lights adjacent to the double arched mirrors above are a stunning addition and serve to enhance the brass tapware, marble benchtop and sharp edges that were commonplace in a mid-century bathroom. To soften these somewhat domineering angles, round arched mirrors and a tall potted aphelandra provide a contradictory garnish. An array of neutral colours here truly ensures that this bathroom will stay timeless for decades.
To future proof this renovation, materials were specifically chosen to ensure they stand the test of time, such as concrete flooring, Corian benchtops, Colorbond roofing and hardwood timber decking. Not only will these selections provide Jo with peace of mind in terms of durability, but also in the low embodied energy materials used. We take pride in supporting manufacturers and suppliers who have an intention to lower their carbon footprint and truly make change in the building industry. Examples of these selections is Laminex, Modinex, Austral Bricks, Intrim, Colorbond, Lysaght and Miele.
Overall, this home is very energy efficient, thanks to double glazed windows and doors, Colorbond roofing, concrete flooring and timber decking. In the warmer months, cool breezes will flow naturally across the pool and through the interior of the home, while concrete flooring will work to regulate the temperature, reducing the need for air-conditioning. In cooler months, the concrete flooring will retain heat from the new fireplace, which is a cost-effective and energy efficient solution for keeping warm. With this incredible transformation, it is undoubtable that 99 Greenacre Drive will be appreciated by those who desire easy Australian living, uninterrupted views, and statement styles of mid-century times. This home will welcome all who visit, and may even spark memories for those who remember a life during the 1950’s and 60’s. An unlimited amount of potential; this stunning property can be rented on weekends or used as a couples retreat, enjoyed by both adults and children, a place to relax, a place to entertain, but more than anything a place to create memories; the essence of a true home.