Located in the highly prized enclave of Wategos Beach in Byron Bay, Larus Marinus was created to provide a multi-generational residence. Two private homes were built on the one site, with two street frontages. The two 4 and 5 bedroom homes cascade down a steep hillside, each with its own entry and swimming pool.

The land was previously cleared of all vegetation across the site many years earlier, sparking the client brief “to re-create a rainforest oasis”.

Challenges of this site included working with the steep topography, re-establishing an indigenous rainforest planting scheme and the rehabilitation of a weed-infested former waterway directly adjacent to the property. Landsite also introduced elements of ornamental planting that reflected the sub-tropical character of the Byron Bay area and acknowledged the proximity of Wategeos to the Pacific Ocean.

The planting scheme was designed to soften the large scale retaining walls required to provide high-end amenity within the steep site.
The resultant gardens give the feeling of the homes sitting amongst a leafy, sub-tropical canopy, while allowing expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, Julian Rocks and surrounding hills to be unobstructed.

Larus Marinus House received a commendation in the Australian Institute of Architects NSW Country Division Architecture Awards 2020.
Photographs by Andy Mcpherson, courtesy of Harley Graham Architects.