Perched high atop a steep precipice in the southern Sydney bay of Burraneer, Inside Outside House has been reimagined by Studio aem into a place of contemporary warmth and tactility. The introduction of timber veneers adds a refined and textural layer to the home, complementing the palette and contemporary finishes of the interiors.

Studio aem’s choice to steer away from the predictable light palette that defines traditional coastal living in favour of an elegant alternative results in a refined sense of calm and simplicity materialised by restraint. With deep tones, clean lines, minimal ornamentation of the custom cabinetry, the darkened mood of the open-plan kitchen and dining areas reflects the raw beauty of the surrounding landscape, without seeking to compete.

A key component to the Inside Outside House brief was the personalisation of space, and Studio aem achieved this not only through a carefully considered material palette and detailed joinery but also by embracing a connection to the outdoors. Four-metre-high ceilings and a sunken living area accentuate the sense of abundant space and light. A number of new courtyards and balconies on each level, intensified by expansive glass windows and doors, ensure that nature remains the key director of the occupants’ gaze and that the organic animation of the great outdoors is felt at all times.

Complementing this transformation of the interiors, Jamisa Design Architects also endeavoured to allow as much of the outside ambiance to penetrate the home. Unlocking the potential of the dramatically sloping site was a key contributor to achieving this vision. Through carefully considered interventions, the water, wind and the lush vegetation of the national park – seen from any number of spots within Inside Outside House – now the imbue the voluminous spaces with green aspect, cementing the interacting relationship between the home and its surrounding environment.