When you can’t take a holiday, why not bring the resort to you? Nina Maya has done just that, orchestrating a much-needed retreat for a family of four in the heart of Sydney’s Balmain. Capturing a modern beach house feel, Balmain Residence is luxe but pared back through a refined tonal material selection of travertine, timber, plastered walls and bronze highlights. Generously proportioned, the three-level abode was designed as an escape from the city for a young family. To facilitate this request, the entire site was deeply excavated, allowing for a new lower ground level entirely dedicated to leisure and health. Below ground is all the luxury with a state of the art gym, steam room, home movie, theatre and bar. 

Refined and minimal, noble materials to do all the talking. Craftsmanship and architectural elements are given breadth and space to really shine. A fireplace, simple in design, was made by hand by a master stonemason and the three individual pieces of curved travertine were carefully installed over three days. In the master ensuite, the soft tonal palette is a quiet accompaniment to the curved vanity, clad in microcement. The integrated basins were hand made out of soft white Elba marble, complimenting the textured Marmarino plastered walls. While strikingly sombre, the thoughtful and considered material palette was quite extensive, including Italian travertine, French oak flooring, Arabescato marble, accents of bronze and silk carpets.       Each space was layered with meticulously curated furniture and art that celebrates both local and overseas talent. 

Australian architect and furniture designer Daniel Boddam’s notable organic forms played a crucial role within the interior, complementing the defined palette. His Wave Sofa, featured in the lounge room, was inspired by summer days in rolling waves. The intuitive, comfortable shape evokes a sense of lyricism and plays to the interior while adhering to the minimalistic and elegant nature of the house.