Creating Modern Australian Living Spaces: A Q&A with Avenue House Designers

Designing Avenue House: A Modern Knockdown Rebuild on the Lower North Shore

Welcome to our Q&A with Hall & Hart designer Marko and interior designer Jess, diving into the story behind Avenue House, a striking example of modern Australian architecture in Willoughby East. This custom knockdown rebuild perfectly captures the essence of contemporary living on Sydney’s Lower North Shore.

From thoughtful site planning to tailored interiors, Avenue House showcases how custom design can transform a challenging block into a light-filled, functional family home. Whether you’re considering a knockdown rebuild on the North Shore or looking for inspiration in custom home design, join us as we explore the creative process behind this standout, modern project.

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Q: When you first heard the brief for Avenue House, what did it conjure up for you? What were the key ideas you wanted to bring to life?”

Marko:

“Nick’s brief was inspiring, clear, thoughtful, and full of heart. I imagined a home filled with light and openness, where inside and outside flow effortlessly together. More than just rooms, it was about creating places for the rhythms of daily life: quiet mornings, shared meals, kids playing nearby - moments that make a house feel like home.”

Q: Every block has its quirks. What were the natural opportunities or constraints of this site, and how did they shape the way Avenue House took form?

Marko:

“With a narrow block and close neighbours, it was all about light, privacy, and connection. The home was shaped to follow the sun’s path, letting each room catch the light differently as the day moves on. That natural rhythm encourages the family to move with it. from one space to the next — always connected, always in tune with the outdoors. Texture and tone do so much to shape how a home feels."

Q: What were the material choices that helped Avenue House feel distinctly modern, yet warm, grounded and timeless?

Jess:

“I wanted it to feel lived in - like you’re constantly connecting with the home, not just walking through it. The visual warmth of the natural stone “Rosso Lepanto, Elegant Grey and Taj Mahal” and timber “Florentine Walnut” draws you in. The stone hobs in the Taj Mahal flow into the kitchen, laundry and bathroom vanities. The softness of curved walls, the warmth of engineered timber underfoot, and the natural light, all comes together to create a home that feels calming, grounded, and comforting.”

Q: How did you both collaborate to make sure the interiors and architecture spoke the same language and support the way someone actually lives in this home?

Jess:

“We started with a floor plan that focused on open spaces and natural light, creating zones that made sense for everyday living. From there, the interiors added warmth and function, using joinery, materials and smart planning to make each space feel purposeful. The architecture created the framework, and the interiors brought it to life in a way that really suits how the family lives.”

Marko:

“The layout gives the home rhythm; open, light-filled spaces, made for real living. It's a quiet conversation between form and feeling, where every space has a reason, and every detail supports the whole.”

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Q: Not everything goes to plan. Was there a turning point in the design process, either a challenge or a moment where the vision sharpened?

‍Marko:

“We had a narrow block, which shaped how we approached the layout, this along with the native trees on site forced the pool to the northern side, tightening the plan even more. But that constraint became clarity. We stripped back the walls, embraced the light, and let the pool become part of the home’s heart. It deepened the indoor-outdoor connection and gave the entire layout its flow.”

Q: What’s a moment or space in Avenue House that you find yourself returning to, and why do you think it would matter to the family living here?

Jess:

“The ensuite has that immediate wow factor, but it’s also highly functional. It features a dedicated makeup station, generous storage, and thoughtfully layered lighting that makes everyday routines feel easy. The tiles were set at a specific height to complement the makeup area, while the shaving cabinets were made taller and span the full width of the vanity to maximise storage. A steel door adds a subtle edge of privacy without compromising on style.”

Marko:

“The kitchen is definitely the space I find myself returning to. It offers complete surveillance of the entire ground floor, kind of like a captain’s bridge. Being able to host while still feeling connected to all the other spaces creates a sense of togetherness that I think would truly matter to the family living here.”

Q: There’s a lot of talk about ‘modern Australian living’ but what does that actually mean to you, in a real and personal way? And how do you think Avenue House captures it?

Jess:

"To me, modern Australian living means designing a home that truly works for everyone who lives in it. It's more than layout, its about lifestyle and how the home adapts as the family grows. From toddlers needing a space to play evoloving into a teenage retreat, and for parents needing to separate work from play, Avenue House captures it all, not just for now, but for the years ahead.