Rooms to Grow
With space to embrace family life over future years, this layered seaside haven balances form with functionality.
ARCHITECT LYONS ARCHITECTS BUILDER LEXUS HOMES INTERIOR DESIGNER MALVINA STONE
LANDSCAPE DESIGN STUDIO 634 WORDS ELIZABETH CLARKE IMAGERY JODY D’ARCY
Set along Perth’s sunlit coastline, Tom and Victoria Bahen’s Cottesloe home is the epitome of calm sophistication. Designed by Michael Lyons of Lyons Architects, the house is a layered, light-filled haven that balances modernist form with warmth, intimacy and family-focused functionality.
“Tom and Victoria liked a home we designed in Peppermint Grove and wanted to achieve a similar aesthetic in a more coastal context,” says Michael. “The location influenced the overall layout as well as the finishes.”
The owners are a growing family with a clear vision from the outset: a home designed to accommodate children as they grow into teenagers, while providing spaces to host friends and return to after-beach days. Completed earlier this year, the project spanned over two years during the post-Covid building boom, a period marked by material and trade shortages.
“The design philosophies grew from a previous project we completed that reinterpreted Richard Neutra’s mid-century principles,” Michael explains. “This home is a further evolution, with its layered flat roof forms and large cantilevered elements, and finishes suited to the coastal environment.”
From the street, the structure appears simple and modern, yet closer inspection reveals a layered composition of horizontal and vertical elements in low-maintenance Alucobond, handmade brick, and expansive glazing. Deep cantilevered eaves protect the interiors from sun and wind while maintaining the clean modernist language.
“A balance between aesthetics and durability was essential,” Michael says. “We used proven finishes and detailing to withstand sun, wind, rain and salt exposure.”
The L-shaped floor plan maximises passive solar access while shielding the home from strong coastal winds. At its centre, a landscaped courtyard flows effortlessly into the open-plan living areas through floor-to-ceiling sliding glazing. A striking spiral staircase serves as a sculptural focal point, immediately visible upon entering. The alfresco area features an operable roof, a swimming pool and a children’s lawn that connects directly to the activity room. Most of the main living spaces overlook this central garden, which truly forms the heart of the home.
“The design is open-plan but each space maintains its own sense of enclosure,” Michael says. “The kitchen sits within three walls with a floating island and peripheral refrigeration, allowing cooking and social spaces to function independently. It connects to a large scullery and laundry, creating an efficient workflow. Flexibility was key, with a parent wing and flexible adjacent space, alongside two clusters of bedrooms with shared bathrooms. Many rooms can also function as studies, studios or offices, ensuring the home evolves seamlessly alongside the family.”
Exquisite interiors by Malvina Stone introduce a refined yet approachable palette of Viola marble, handmade brick, and layered textures. “I collaborated closely with Michael, Victoria and Tom to ensure the interiors spoke to the architecture,” she says. “It’s a home that feels open, with natural light and ocean breezes flowing through every room.”
Colour, art and textures are layered throughout to create warmth and personality. From mirrored stairs reflecting light to a welcoming entry, the home is designed for both practicality and beauty.
“I loved adding elements that reflected the family’s personality while ensuring resilience for their four children; it’s very much a curated home,” Malvina says. “My favourite setting is the little table from Hunters & Collectors with chairs from Tamsin Johnson – it is so personal and inviting.”
The home also celebrates family collections. Tom’s treasured Pippin Drysdale ceramics, alongside handpicked artworks, create visual narratives throughout. “Our art collection is a reflection of our journey – hand-picked pieces gathered from our travels over the years,” says Victoria.
Considered landscaping connects the home to its coastal site. “We wanted hardy coastal plants, minimal pool fencing, and natural stone paving that blurs the transition between hard and soft landscaping,” Victoria explains.
An ancient olive tree from the family farm was also planted in the garden, carrying a sense of family history into the new home. For Michael, the project combines retrospective knowledge with fresh ideas. “This home tells the story of a family growing together, living by the coast, and enjoying a space designed for their lifestyle,” he says.
In every detail, from the central courtyard to the layered interior textures and considered material palette, this family home celebrates seaside living, family life, and enduring design. It is, in every sense, a modern coastal sanctuary.
Layered textures and lush greenery bring outdoor living to life, complementing this Cottesloe home’s coastal setting.
E010 Blend Bricks were cut into three custom lengths and laid in a random pattern at the entryway and throughout the home. Paired with Endicott Crazy Paving from Eco Outdoor, they create a layered, organic welcome that immediately sets the tone for the house.
“I wanted to add edgy touches to every interior space,” says designer Malvina Stone. In the kitchen, these include a vintage light from Il Secondo and robust Jardan barstools with custom cushions. The counters are topped with Viola marble, the handmade Spanish tiles above the rangehood are from M2 Tiles and the cabinet fronts are wrapped in timber veneer.
The dining room flows seamlessly into the kitchen, where light and shadow create dynamic, ever-changing patterns.
An artwork chosen by Malvina as a housewarming gift makes a statement next to a custom sofa swathed in Westbury Marrakesh linen. Custom velvet cushions in bolsters and squares bring colour and soft comfort for the children.
An Objekto Paulistano Armchair introduces a sharp, sculptural element, balanced by organic bamboo stools for a relaxed, layered look.
A substantial Coco Republic marble coffee table grounds the living space, while a striped bench from House of Orange and a floor rug from Coco Republic complete the layering. Industrial finish white concrete flows throughout.
Mismatched chairs surround an extendable dining table from Hunters & Collectors, with an e Moderno light pendant adding a playful element. Blush tones are echoed in the Louise Olsen painting and Armadillo floor rug.
A vintage console from Cleo Collects displays a curated selection of Pippin Drysdale ceramics, paired with a photographic work from CLO Studios.
In the study, light filters through heavily slubbed linen curtains. A vintage desk is paired with a chair from the dining collection by Hunters & Collectors.
In the master bedroom, a custom velvet bedhead adds richness, complemented by a sweet beehive pendant light, a Cultiver bedspread, and a Viola marble bedside table from Coco Republic.
Clean lines and thoughtful detailing create a calm, contemporary master ensuite. The Miscela Beige floor and wall tiles are from Metz Tiles.
Brass tapware and handcrafted ceramics from M2 Tiles introduce a subtle antique charm to the ensuite.
A Merci Maison umbrella and Vincent Sheppard sunloungers from Patio & Balcony Outdoor Living bring relaxed, coastal elegance, evoking an effortless holiday-at-home feel.
“I loved adding elements that reflected the family’s personality while ensuring resilience for their four children; it’s very much a curated home.”
—MALVINA STONE
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