Cronulla Beachside Residence

Location: Cronulla, NSW
Project Type: New residential home
Completion: 2021
Design Lead: JMH Living Design

This three-storey residence home comprising 2 living levels with basement parking under, and located in Cronulla was designed as a sanctuary for a couple transitioning into retirement. Perched on a sloping block with sweeping views of the ocean and city skyline, the home is a perfect blend of comfort, sustainability, and thoughtful design. It balances openness with privacy, warmth with sophistication, and feels like a luxury getaway, every day.

The clients were ready to move on from their family home and into a space tailored to this new life chapter. Their brief called for something serene and stylish, with the comfort of a resort and the warmth of a home. Views were important, but so were accessibility, energy efficiency, and a design that would adapt gracefully over time.

The block offered stunning vistas, but its slope, sandy soil, and proximity to neighbours made access, excavation, and privacy key structural design considerations. Sustainability was also top of mind, with a strong desire to reduce long-term running costs and enable ageing in place.

JMH Living Design responded with a home that is both functional and indulgent. Living spaces stretch from the front of the house to the back, linking balconies, gardens, and a pool for a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle. The north-facing layout maximises solar gain and captures views at every opportunity.

To support long-term liveability, a lift connects all three levels. Hydronic underfloor heating and solar panels were included, along with future-ready provisions for battery storage. Double-glazed windows and water tanks beneath the basement further enhance comfort and performance.

• Construction systems were selected to suit the site and its conditions:
• Castec walls: stabilised excavation and enabled sand reuse
• Rediwall: used for basement walls
• Hebel Power Panels, Ritek, Lysaght cladding: used across the main levels for durability and thermal performance
• EcoStone feature walls and Colorbond roofing: provided aesthetic impact and weather resistance

Close collaboration between the clients, design team, and builders ensured the project progressed smoothly, despite its complexity.

Today, the owners enjoy a home that’s easy to live in, easy to move around, and filled with light and calm. The layout supports both entertaining and quiet moments, and the materials work hard effortlessly behind the scenes to maintain comfort through all seasons.

It’s a future-proofed, energy-efficient coastal retreat that doesn’t compromise on design or liveability.

• Designing for retirement means planning ahead. Comfort, access, and energy-use matter more than ever.
• Sustainability and luxury can go hand in hand with the right design approach.
• Strong collaboration between client, designer, and builder leads to better outcomes, and a better building experience.