A contemporary home with hints of retro Palm Springs-style

It’s impossible to pass by this modern house in Brisbane’s Holland Park without feeling the warmth of its Palm Springs-inspired home design and retro vibe. The butterfly roof and desert-inspired plantings draw the eye while the crazy pave driveway, sun-bleached breeze blocks, and golden pops of Dulux \’Sunshine Surprise\’ play up the home’s irresistible retro charm.

“The butterfly roof was a particularly pleasing aspect,” notes Dane Power, director of Koda Design. “It sits low on the street and right in the eyeline to create a striking, modern, mid-century profile.” The designer was tasked with creating a functional family abode for owners Nihad and Miki – one that encouraged outdoor living and play while maximising the site’s commanding views.

“We gave Dane a blank canvas to create something unique, inspired by Palm Springs design,” says Nihad, whose own boutique residential building company HNT Builders took on the project. “We worked very closely with Koda Design throughout the design concept, build, and final touches,” he says. “It was very well organised from start to finish.”

Tackling the home’s challenging six-metre slope (from front to rear) was top of mind to create a seamless connection with the outdoors. But, as with many steep sites, the upside was aspect, as the site provided elevation and views from the upper levels.

For the exterior, lightweight materials were chosen for their strength and style. “We use the James Hardie scyon Axon Cladding time and time again,” says Dane. “It stands up to Queensland conditions and gives an exceptional aesthetic.” The raw beauty of Western red cedar is another standout, sourced from Woodstock Timber for the exterior and custom garage door. “We rely on Woodstock’s expertise, particularly in cladding on a western façade, to ensure longevity,” notes Dane. Slimline PGH bricks also make a memorable cameo with the Endicott Crazy Paving from Eco Outdoor flowing through to the entrance.

The engaging interplay of textures takes a refined turn inside. A modern, uncluttered mood reigns with huge slider doors and whisper-light curtaining ushering through breezes and offering ready access to the swimming pool. In the kitchen, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and a contrasting, oversized island bench steal the show and maintain the feeling of quality. “We love the openness of the downstairs living and how it connects all areas from inside to the outside entertaining areas and pool,” says Nihad.

Upstairs in the bedrooms and bathrooms, a softly luxurious feel has been created with a restful palette. A highlight of both form and function is the master bedroom’s innovative curved window which embraces dramatic views from the home’s south-west corner. Something of an engineering feat, “it was designed to capture sweeping views of Holland Park and the summer storms rolling in,” notes Dane.

The partnership between designer and builder has paid off in every detail of this outstanding home. Beyond the golden door, life is good.