Palm Residence by Koychi Takada in Sydney, Australia

Project: Palm Residence
Architects: Koychi Takada Architecture
Location: Sydney, Australia
Area: 6006 sq ft
Year: 2023
Photography: Tom Ferguson Photography

Palm Residence by Koychi Takada in Sydney, Australia

Located overlooking Balmain Beach in Sydney, Australia, the Palm Residence designed by Koychi Takada Architecture and interiors by Justine Hugh Jones is a contemporary coastal work of art. This three-story, five-bedroom home uses its stunning location for year-round relaxation and breathtaking views.

The architecture emphasizes an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, featuring extended folding windows and doors that blur the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. Inspired by the protective qualities of palm fronds, the design achieves a balance of light and comfort that reflects nature's embrace.

The Palm Residence represents a new era in residential architecture, where flexibility and tranquility reign. It's a vibrant addition to an area known for its traditions, demonstrating the art of harmonious interaction with nature while maintaining coastal elegance.

Sitting high on the northern headland, overlooking the picturesque Balmain Beach (Sydney, Australia), the Palm Residence by Koychi Takada Architecture with interiors by Justine Hugh Jones presents a dramatic modern home designed to maximize its coveted location. The five-bedroom, three-story house is oriented toward views and captures the best of every season for year-round enjoyment. Spaces are created throughout for quiet retreats, while expansive protected areas are ready for guests and family. The hidden boundary between formal/entertainment zones and the family zone is achieved through a central kitchen, while everyday luxury permeates all. Extended folding windows and doors invite the natural beauty of the area inside, allowing life to flow smoothly from indoors to outdoors. Materials and color palettes were chosen with the natural palette in mind.

Nature-inspired principles – Koychi Takada Architecture drew inspiration from palm fronds, particularly how the leaves provide diffused light and shelter for fruit. Applying these same principles, the house is surrounded by a symmetrical linear fence that increases privacy, protects glass from solar heat and directs sight lines toward wooden waterways and beaches. The realization of this connection to water was a key element of the brief, as owners sought a home that would offer sanctuary from their demanding careers. The materiality of the Palm Residence is rooted in its natural environment. Inspired by the tones and textures of Sydney's aura – forest, water, and coastline. Local sandstone is a landscape element with 50% indigenous species, while the linear fence in a gentle wood pattern adds texture and warmth to the facade.

Seeking maximum interaction with the outside world on the slope of a land plot, party zones and the main bedroom have southern balconies and terraces protected by the house in heat and taking in panoramic views. Lower zones are more private, connected to a sun-drenched infinity pool offering ocean views. On the north side of the house is a cozy winter zone, a sunny and sheltered terrace extending from the kitchen and informal living area, providing year-round access to the outdoors regardless of weather.

Informal elegance for a relaxed lifestyle – inside, high ceilings enhance natural light and ventilation. The long ground floor plan is carefully divided into formal and informal zones with a butler's kitchen and central kitchen. Seats by windows and sightlines create moments of calm and reflection throughout the home, encouraging owners to relax and engage with the landscape. On the upper level, bedrooms are aligned along the same axis, with the parent bedroom oriented toward views – and the best spot reserved for the bathroom. Adult children's bedrooms overlook the north-facing terrace, while the study, bathroom, and sculptural staircase are positioned at the center of the layout.

Making a bold statement in an area populated by more conservative and grand homes, the Palm Residence is thoughtfully designed to capture optimal natural light and ventilation. The result are bright, vibrant, and private spaces. Subtle elements of diffused light and shadow enhance the resort-style lifestyle – where the threshold between interior and exterior spaces is deliberately blurred. Horizontal overhangs create a layer of shade, inviting light and serenity. The home belongs to a new era in residential architecture defined by flexible and fluid ways of life, work, play, and growth.

Koychi Takada says: "The Palm Residence is designed for a family to move through the house according to season and time of day. They can follow the sun or avoid it in summer heat."

"Balmain Beach is a picturesque spot in Sydney, Australia, known for its clean waters and white sand. We wanted to invite nature inside so our clients feel connected with the environment and enjoy the informal luxury of our architecture – as if they were on vacation."

"The palm frond, called the 'umbrella of nature,' provides shelter from sun, wind and rain. In the same way, our fence inspired by leaves protects the house. The effect is an endless display of shadow and light."

– Koychi Takada Architecture