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.

Interior Architecture — Studio Penna
Architect — Benn & Penna
Builder — Newmark Constructions
Photographer — Tom Ferguson
Completed — 2020

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.
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.
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.

Design Approach

Working alongside the architect, the goal for this special beach house was to create a humble, relaxed environment—one free from the pressure of keeping everything perfect. Instead, the design celebrates natural light and fosters a strong connection not only to the immediate landscape but also to the expansive views beyond.

The palette was deliberately playful, paying homage to the original 1950s home that once occupied the site and had been cherished by the same family for generations. It reflects a sense of nostalgia while feeling fresh and contemporary.

This is a home that prioritises need and function over flourish. It embraces honesty and restraint, valuing beautifully crafted, enduring materials and finishes without feeling the need to display or impress. The result is a timeless, lived-in home that feels both generous and quietly confident.

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