Inspired by spectacular natural surrounds, this Urban Habitats home mixes mid-century and coastal with ease.

Words by Laura Mappas | Photography by Christopher Morrison

Mid-century modern is an architectural style that dates back to the ‘50s and ‘60s. Characterised by a wide, low footprint, large-scale windows and communal open-plan living spaces, this popular design movement has been reimagined over the years, tweaked to meet the demands of different environments, lifestyles and modernity. Here, South Australian design and build firm, Urban Habitats, who deliver country and coastal architectural homes on the Fleurieu Peninsula and beyond, share a mid-century build that has been cleverly injected with a hint of coastal to match its beachside locale.

Client brief

The location for this sprawling home, which is set back from Aldinga Beach, provided the inspiration behind the build. Expansive coastline in each direction and white sand at your doorstep fuelled the client’s minimalist vision for a blend of relaxed mid-century with flexible spaces, paired with a loose coastal vibe.

Connectivity in design was key to the success of the home’s functionality – the client wanted spaces that encouraged interaction, yet also incorporated an element of privacy.

Property aesthetic

In true mid-century form, the aesthetic of the home was largely inspired by its natural surrounds. The biophilic design therefore incorporated a unique combination of textures, materials, colours and natural elements. The outdoors was invited in through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and external materials such as timber and brick were continued internally, reemphasising the home’s connection to nature and its idyllic coastal location.

How it was achieved

Materiality and considered design were key to the success of this build. The flat roofline, neutral colour palette and large- scale windows making sense contextually in the coastal locale, while natural materials such as stone and timber in earthy tones reference the sand and coastal cliffs. Decorative breeze blocks further emphasised the aesthetic and are a distinct nod to the era.

Inside, clean, modern lines with soft curves were used to create a minimalist interior that infers spaciousness and airiness. This is the point of this style of architecture – it’s about functional spaces that evoke feelings of wellbeing and speak to a lifestyle that extends well beyond the four walls.

It’s this clever architectural and interior design, the mix of considered materials and craftsmanship that ensures this modern mid-century inspired home ticks all the boxes and, importantly, works harmoniously within its beachside surrounds.

Urban Habitats
96 King William Road, Goodwood
08 8373 1731
urbanhabitats.com.au
@urbanhabitats_sa