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SET YOURSELF FREE

GOLD COAST-BASED SEABREEZE DESIGN & CONSTRUCT IS PASSIONATE ABOUT HELPING CLIENTS CREATE FREEDOM AT HOME.

OUR APPRECIATION for homes that offer a true getaway has never been more prevalent.

A higher value has been assigned to experiencing the beauty of nature and a sense of freedom in our every day. In the home this means creating a sanctuary where constraints feel as if they just fall away. Gold Coast-based SeaBreeze Design & Construct work closely with their clients to design, build and finish homes that promote freedom, space and independence. “Whilst luxury means different things to different people, what we’re seeing is a more evolved take on luxury based on the belief that less is more; less maintenance, less clutter, less noise, and less stress,” says

SeaBreeze building designer Renee Ellen. “Freedom and private views of natural beauty have never been more keenly in focus. “A home that is a habitable piece of art and set up to independently operate creates this sense of retreat that rejuvenates us from our daily grind.” SeaBreeze’s recent project – the extraordinary Jabiru House in

Mudgeeraba – provides an excellent case study in independent luxury living. Set within the hinterland haven of Jabiru Estate, the 12-month project saw a bare horse paddock transformed into a modern masterpiece that integrates seamlessly within a constructed native landscape. SeaBreeze harnessed its talented team of designers, builders, landscapers and engineers to carry the project from design through to earthworks, construction, landscaping, custom furniture and interior fit-out – right down to the brass cutlery. Inspired by Brazilian architecture, the design honours the Japanese ethos of wabi-sabi where natural handcrafted materials are embraced for their character and resilience. Rainwater tanks supply filtered water for drinking and cooking, a septic system recycles greywater for drought-tolerant gardens, and the 930m2 residence is powered by solar. “During the planning phase we were very much guided by the client’s level of excitement towards green technologies and where they sit on the spectrum of independence,” says Renée, who works alongside design builder Paul Lingard. “For some people, living independently is about privacy and getting away from it all, for some, it’s about sustainable living and having no power bill. “Others want to be water and food sufficient. Food may mean a food forest, chickens, a compost system and planning a herb garden around the corner from the kitchen. “It means thinking about sharing your space with fauna. Kids really love seeing the cycle of life and they grow up with less fear with this start to life.” ADVERTISEMENT

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The priority for Jabiru House was to create a space in which a multigenerational family could fully retreat, whilst meeting their needs for space, work, nature and recreation.

“Jabiru House was designed for a family with ages spanning 76 years and with the owner working a high-pressure job from home,” says Renée.

“The home office is its own retreat, sound-insulated from the kid’s rumpus, and the mother can close off her self-sufficient wing behind a secret door.”

SeaBreeze has found a niche designing and building in semi-rural and rural locales on the Gold Coast and in Northern NSW, where landscaping and built area are integral to one another.

Their design work usually involves getting into finer details like cabinetry, handles, curtains and bespoke furnishings to ensure the character of the home is a complete expression.

The focus required to achieve such a high degree of personalisation means that SeaBreeze only takes on one or two clients per year.

“Discovering the crux of the client’s dream is critical,” says Renée.

“When thinking of independence, some think of a large shed, or a modular system home, perhaps a treehouse. Some people, like in Jabiru House, want their castle.

“The ability to live independently brings many levels of peace of mind and this can now be achieved with tremendous style.

“Being away from it all and self-sufficient is a wonderful freedom and living off-the-grid is no longer austere. It’s a wonderful sense of peace to retreat into.

“It’s very much about creating freedom, independence and resilience in the emotional wellbeing of the people who live there.

“There’s a wonderful healing in that.”

DESIGN-CONSTRUCT.COM INFO@DESIGN-CONSTRUCT.COM 07 5533 8967

Go behind the scenes on Jabiru House:

Photography: Jamie Auld