A collaboration between two brothers, one a sculptor, the other an architect, both with a passion for re-use and recycle. One tonne blocks of waste concrete anchor the building within the site, an old sawmill, and produce a patchwork of colour and texture. At 100sqm the house is not large but a series of moving walls and doors open the inside to the out expanding the visual boundaries of the rooms. Sawmill House by Archier.

I’m salivating over this kitchen by Simo Design. Hmmmmm… yum!

It’s a simple home. There’s a casual beach house style. Lots of polished floors, white walls, comfy knock-about sofas. It’s somewhere where you’d feel relaxed and welcome. It’s definitely nothing too snooty. Why am I stalking this house in Pearl Beach (just north of Sydney)? Location, location, location. That view. The garden path that leads down to the beach. The fact that you could reach out the window and snatch up a fish for dinner… almost. This is what Australians dream about. Yes I’d change a few of the pieces inside. It’s not quite my style but, oh my goodness gracious me, what I wouldn’t give to lazily pass the time sitting on the veranda observing the daily beach parade. You really do need to watch the video. Link here while it lasts.

If the last project by Ensemble Architecture and Elizabeth Roberts Design was all about living large in a narrow space this one is about living and working in an expansive loft. The large industrial building is home to a sculptor wife and chef husband. Half is an artist studio and the rest a light and bright living space with a chef’s kitchen for TV productions and events. Love the office next to the kitchen. A series of sliding doors provides separation between more private areas and the cooking stage.

Luxury and style in a house only 11ft (that’s just over 3m) wide. The narrow dwelling rises over 3 storeys and has been selectively gutted and thoughtfully renovated to create a fab family home. There’s even a little surprise at the end of the garden. The Warren Mews Townhouse in the Cobble Hill neighbourhood of Brooklyn by Ensemble Architecture and Elizabeth Roberts Design.