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Architect: Bayden Goddard Associates

Interior Designer: Atelier Alwill

Construction: Nigel Damons Constructions

Photography: Anson Smart

Atelier Alwill has completed a comprehensive interior renovation of a prominent waterfront residence in Queensland, Australia, transforming a home untouched for 25 years into a luxurious yet highly practical retreat designed for contemporary family living.

Occupying a commanding position at the end of a peninsula on a river mouth between calm and rough waters, the property possessed strong architectural foundations but required a complete interior overhaul. Atelier Alwill undertook extensive replanning across two levels, stripping the house back to its core and reimagining every interior surface, layout and living space to meet modern standards while responding to its exceptional setting.

Central to the redesign was the reconfiguration of the kitchen and principal living areas. Atelier Alwill relocated the entertainment zone, bar and pool table area to establish a stronger connection with the expansive gardens, swimming pool and Shearwater outlook. Guest accommodation was moved to a quieter area of the home, while the master suite and all bathrooms were completely redesigned. Opening walls and increasing ceiling heights dramatically altered the flow of the interior, creating a greater sense of space, light and connection throughout the property.

The design brief called for a home that balanced luxury with practicality. With the client preparing for a new phase of life that includes frequent family gatherings and future grandchildren, Atelier Alwill sought to create interiors that felt elegant and refined without becoming overly precious. Generous seating areas, relaxed entertaining spaces and strong connections to the outdoors were carefully incorporated into the design.

A sophisticated palette of tonal and textural finishes was selected to withstand Queensland’s humid subtropical climate while reflecting the surrounding landscape. Atelier Alwill layered these materials with sculptural furnishings and expressive lighting to create a sense of calm, warmth and understated luxury.

Among the most significant interventions were the introduction of a skylight above the kitchen and the creation of a soaring ceiling within the master suite, both of which transformed the quality of light and space. The result is a generous and timeless home that reflects the client’s lifestyle while embracing the beauty of its natural surroundings.