Lady Ellen is a modern beach house stripped back and reimagined for light, breeze, and barefoot living.
Situated just 50 metres from the La Lucia shoreline, Lady Ellen is a family home that has been completely transformed by architect Cameron Finnie of Engine Architectural Design Alliance, with interiors by his wife Jess Binns of Hector & Bailey. The house has been reimagined as a calm, functional retreat that feels like a permanent holiday.
The brief was clear: create a light-filled, connected home where indoor and outdoor living could unfold effortlessly.
BACK TO THE BONES
“When our client bought the house, it was in good show-home condition,” says Cameron. “It had been touched up and cosmetically upgraded – not to their taste, but definitely liveable. Underneath that surface, though, it became clear that the layout lacked coherence. It had been changed over time without a holistic view.”
What followed was a complete reworking of the space. A damaged courtyard roof was removed to create an open-air green space at the heart of the home. Living areas were extended and reconnected into a seamless social zone. The indoors now flows naturally into the garden, while a new roofline and reworked gables unify the original structure with the extension.
ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIORS IN CONVERSATION
Having collaborated on multiple projects, Cameron and Jess were clear from the start that their process should be open, respectful and design-led.
“We’re both comfortable crossing over and pushing each other toward better outcomes,” Cameron explains. “Jess has a sharp eye for tone, texture and proportion. She often picks up on the subtleties of how a space feels – and that sensitivity really shows in this house.”
The interiors favour a restrained material palette. Think slate floors, natural timber and refined aluminium details. “We were after continuity and calm,” he says. “Nothing overdone, just thoughtful contrasts and natural textures.”
FORM, FUNCTION, AND A FEW SURPRISES
No renovation comes without its challenges – especially when working with existing structures.
“You’re always going to uncover a few surprises,” says Cameron. “But we had clear communication with the builder, Tim from Timcon, who’s worked with us before. He’s practical, calm and solution-driven. That kind of trust makes a big difference.”
One of the biggest architectural moves came in extending the living space and pulling the roofline with it – a design decision that became a visual and structural anchor for the rest of the home. “It balanced the house and brought a sense of order to what had previously felt quite fragmented.”
AN EASY ELEGANCE
So how would Cameron describe the final style of the home? “It’s a modern, laid-back beach house. Stripped back and considered. It holds the light well, it moves gently between inside and out, and it invites you to slow down.”
From the slate floors that ground the space, to the timber pergolas that soften the façades, every element works together to create a home that is both deeply functional and effortlessly elegant. Framed views, breezy interiors, and gentle textures make this home a lesson in restraint – and a celebration of coastal living, done right.
Details: www.enginearchitecture.com;
IG: @enginearchitecture; www.hectorandbailey.com; IG: @hectorandbailey
Text: Jennifer Campbell Photographs: Michelle Reynolds
