Private home and boutique bed and breakfast in NSW

Architect Janet Henriksen worked closely with the owners to create this sustainable, sturdy and contemporary house. The result is a striking home which uses high-quality materials and features an unusual entrance way.

This 'classic but arresting' house is both private home to couple David and Alessandra and a boutique bed and breakfast in NSW, known as The Anchor Light. Situated in Corlette, at Port Stephens in NSW, the house is the result of a collaborative design process involving David, Alessandra and Janet Henriksen of architecture firm Arkitek HEJ.

The brief for the project was very specific. The house had to include both classic and contemporary elements, and incorporate solar design principles and high-quality materials that would allow for sound attenuation. There had to be a top-floor residence and three large guest bedrooms, all with ensuites.

"The design began with the idea that all the rooms should face due north, as that was the quieter street and would provide control of the light," explains Janet.

The various materials used in the house are top quality, with timber, steel and masonry all sitting comfortably alongside each other. The striking cantilevered steel and hardwood staircase was built by David, a civil engineer, and incorporates principles of sustainability.

"David thinks a great deal about quality, maintenance and environmental impact," says Alessandra. "Many houses today are poorly constructed and will have to be replaced in a few decades, which is incredibly wasteful and really bad for the environment. As well as incorporating solar design features, David and I have made sure that this house is so well built that it will be easy to maintain and last for generations as a private home or bed and breakfast."

The entrance to the house is particularly unusual; its design came about partly as a solution to David's request for a spa in the master ensuite on the upper floor. As he didn't want the inclusion of the spa to reduce the size of the master bedroom, Janet had to come up with a novel design approach. Her solution was to 'pop' the room out under a small gable, which has become one of the most striking elements of the design.

"To my surprise, many of the neighbours view the resulting complexity of forms near the entry as a delight," says Janet.

Janet Henriksen, from Arkitek HEJ

What were you trying to achieve with your design of this dwelling?

The project brief was detailed and comprehensive. It began with the budget and the design requirement that the project be simple, elegant and attractive. The clients wanted a classic, yet arresting design incorporating solar design principles and high-quality materials. It was to have a residence above and three very large guest bedrooms with ensuites - due to the house's function as a bed and breakfast provider in NSW.

What were some of the challenges you encountered during the design process and how did you resolve them?

The biggest challenge was fitting in all of the requirements on the very small corner site. The size constraint was a powerful design generator and led to several striking solutions, such as the top-floor ensuite design, which is popped out under a gable.

Which part of the design do you think works particularly well?

The entry, for how it relates to the street and how the owners use it as a private home. Also the way the design incorporates principles of sustainability. During the design process I was completing master's research at Newcastle University in the area of design and its effect on reducing environmental impact, and we applied the lessons learnt there.

Why did you choose to take on this project?

The client knew a friend I went to university with.

Alessandra, the home owner

What was your vision for this house?

We wanted a beautiful, elegant home that was also arresting; we wanted people to look at it as they drove by and realise that it was a B & B. It had to be functional in that it had to provide private guest rooms without compromising our living area.

Did you have much input into the design?

Lots! It was a wonderful experience working with Janet. She would sit with us and draw sketches as we talked about what we liked or didn't like. Her ideas, talent and passion for architecture are contagious. It's a very exciting and creative process and I wouldn't do it any other way.

Which features of the new house do you love, and why?

I love the glass entrance; its curved roof, tall ceilings and cantilevered steel and hardwood stairs are often admired and make people feel welcome. The house has smart solar design and has been built to stay cool in summer and warm in winter, and I love the abundant natural light. Most of all it feels good, looks beautiful and works really well as a bed and breakfast, as well as a private home in the NSW climate and conditions.

Is there anything you would change about the process if you were to go through it again?

I wouldn't change anything; in fact we are looking at other projects to work on with Janet.

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