In the heart of a Queensland rainforest, Ian and Jenny built a rather unusual home that was tailored to their way of life and the surrounding landscape.

The energy of the ocean informs every aspect of this stunning Sydney home by the sea.

Look out to sea from Jonathan Rubensztein’s deck and one of the first things you’ll notice is the flat uninterrupted sweep of the horizon. As your gaze zooms in, however, you’ll start to pick out the undulating forms of the waves. And if you then turn around and look at the house, you’ll see something very similar: the clean lines of the outer structure and a dance of curves within.

Renovating an interesting, solidly structured old house seemed a good move for Melbourne couple Stephen and Tanya. Clearly, the Mendals’ quest for an abode to suit their family’s lifestyle in a new century was extremely successful but the experience proved to be a steep learning curve – to say the least. The ultramodern look of this stunning family home entirely belies its age and origins.