Palm Frond Retreat / Koichi Takada Architects

Sitting high on the northern headland looking back over picturesque Balmoral Beach (Sydney, Australia) Palm Frond Retreat by Koichi Takada Architects is a dramatic contemporary residence designed to make the most of its sought-after location. The five-bedroom, three-storey home is oriented around the view, and to capture the best of each season – for year-round enjoyment and entertainment. Pockets of space have been created throughout for solitary escape while generous, protected spaces are ready to entertain family and friends. A subtle delineation between formal/entertaining spaces and the family zones has been created with a central kitchen, while everyday luxury pervades. Expansive retractable windows and doors invite the natural beauty of the area inside and allow life to transition seamlessly to the outdoors. Materials and hues of the architecture were selected in keeping with nature’s palette.