With the beach a short stroll away, this project was all about creating the clients’ dream home. In the two-storey cedar and bagged brick beauty, they have it. Before Vaughan Wilson Builders could begin constructing the three-bedroom home, it had to demolish the old one. Then began a complete rebuild, starting from the existing concrete slab, which was extended. What now sits on the compact rear site in the seaside neighbourhood is a 180sqm home that feels an awful lot bigger. Smart efficient design, light airy decor and easy intuitive flow to widespread decking all add to the sense of spaciousness. Apart from a double garage, laundry and toilet, the ground floor is devoted to living — indoors and out. Open the wide sliders and step straight from the open-plan kitchen, dining and living space onto a long private deck. It’s just the place for barbecues or for lounging about on outdoor sofas or beanbags. With the sleek white kitchen so close, alfresco dining is also a given. Head upstairs and you’ll find the bedrooms, family room, tiled grey bathrooms — and another boon for the owners. Spilling from the main bedroom suite and family room is even more outdoor space, some of it covered.