Imagine transforming a humble garage into a serene garden pavilion that feels like a hidden oasis. That’s exactly what happened in Fingal Head, NSW, where a 1950s coastal home got a breathtaking makeover. Tucked behind a modest house, this backyard pavilion isn’t just an addition—it’s a destination in its own right, inviting you to pause and savor its tranquility. But here’s where it gets intriguing: the owners, Crick King and Nigel Chouri, didn’t just renovate; they reimagined the space entirely. Their holiday home, Cal Somni, now doubles as a short-term rental (check it out here: Airbnb link), but its true magic lies in its versatility. And this is the part most people miss: instead of extending the house, they converted the garage into a pavilion, blending pragmatism with philosophy. Why? Because they wanted a space without a defined purpose—a blank canvas that could be a bedroom, yoga studio, lounge, or even a party hub. By avoiding a development application, they worked within the existing footprint, but they also unlocked something deeper: a structure designed around experience, not just function.
Before the renovation, the house was a fixer-upper, plagued by water damage, termites, and a crumbling concrete floor. Yet, its simple construction—concrete base, timber walls, and asbestos sheeting—became an unexpected advantage. Crick and Nigel dismantled and reassembled it with ease, retaining the original footprint while adding just a suspended timber verandah and an enclosed laundry. The pavilion, meanwhile, was designed to converse with the house—distinct yet unmistakably connected. A shared palette of cement sheeting, ironbark, corrugated iron, and stainless steel ties them together, but subtle differences, like the pavilion’s lighter interior with exposed timber, keep each structure unique.
Color plays a starring role here, too. Both buildings are clad in shades of dark green, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the native garden. Recycled brick pathways and a central ‘plaza’—inspired by the owners’ 20 years in Spain—add warmth, while the pavilion’s floating verandah nods to their travels in Japan. Sustainability isn’t just an afterthought; it’s woven into the project’s DNA, with solar panels, a battery system, and a water-wise native garden replacing the old grass and concrete.
But here’s the controversial part: in an era of bigger-is-better, Crick and Nigel’s project boldly argues that less can be more. Their greatest success, they say, is deeply personal. ‘The home makes us feel content, calm, and slow,’ Nigel reflects. Picture this: walking barefoot, rinsing off sea salt in an outdoor shower, or napping in the pavilion surrounded by trees and the laughter of kookaburras. It’s a reminder that true luxury isn’t about excess—it’s about creating spaces that nourish the soul.
So, here’s the question for you: In a world obsessed with expansion, could embracing restraint be the key to designing spaces that truly matter? Let’s debate it in the comments!
