A person standing on a balcony overlooking a large body of water, with mountains in the distance. Inside, a modern kitchen and dining area are visible, featuring a white countertop with a bowl of fruit, a sink with a faucet, and a wooden table with stools. The space is bright and open, with large windows allowing for a view outside.

Palm House
Project Overview

Palm House is a holiday retreat designed for a use by a multi-generational family — a place to gather, unwind, and embrace relaxed coastal living with minimal maintenance.

Conceived as a home to be filled with sand, laughter, and constant movement, the design balances durability with warmth and ease.

With sweeping 180-degree views across Pittwater, the home remains intentionally modest and calm in material choice. Rather than competing with its natural surroundings, the architecture and interiors integrate seamlessly into the landscape, allowing the environment to remain the hero.

A bright, minimalist bedroom with white paneled walls, a white door, a white chair, and a sliding glass door leading to a balcony with potted plants and a view of distant hills.
Modern interior with curved white shelving, wooden staircase, and large window with outdoor view.
A bathroom with beige tiled wall, a rectangular mirror, a white sink with metal pipes, a yellow patterned towel hanging on a towel bar, a small potted plant, and a candle on the sink, with a colorful tiled floor.
Interior view of a narrow hallway with a wooden staircase and black metal railing, white walls, and a round mirror on the wall.
Interior view of a modern home with a kitchen featuring wooden cabinets and a white marble countertop, staircase with white railing, and a mezzanine with a railing visible in the upper part of the image, and skylight letting in natural light.

Design Approach

The interior architecture centres on proportion, material integrity and the modulation of natural light.

A restrained material palette of timber and tactile finishes establishes continuity throughout the home.

Custom joinery elements were designed to seamlessly integrate storage into the architectural envelope, reinforcing both function and spatial calm.

Careful detailing at junctions — between floor and wall, joinery and glazing — ensures the project reads as a cohesive whole rather than a collection of finishes.

Interior Architecture — Studio Penna
Architect — Benn and Penna
Photography — Tom Ferguson
Completed — 2020