Sitting comfortably in to the hillside amongst leafy Merewether surrounds, the eye-catching building known as 'Black House' became a dream come true for Guy Bunder of MADE Architectural Constructions. Designed by SDA with landscaping by Sustainable Surrounds, the just completed home is inspired by Japanese architecture and recently received a special commendation in the 'Residential Architect – Houses (New)' category at the 2019 Newcastle Architecture Awards. The enigmatic design unfolds over four distinct levels with interesting angular lines and walls of glass visually contrasted by a striking architectural element: 'Shou Sugi Ban' charred cladding - A traditional Japanese technique where the timber is burnt to protect it. Inside showcases a contemporary industrial aesthetic with a focus on minimalism. Nothing too sharp nor overtly sophisticated - just moderate and relaxing. Oversized windows and a 14m2 glazed roof let northerly light flood inside while allowing the inhabitants to be observers of the natural scenery. A consistent palette of precast concrete walls and polished concrete floors is offset by reclaimed oak feature walls, bespoke metal floating staircases, custom timber cabinetry and vertical green walls all adding colour and texture. Plants were integrated into each level of the exterior of the building to create a living, breathing, sustainable space that is not only visually appealing but also adds an eco-friendly element. An immaculate set of interior and exterior spaces comprise social and private rooms, all free flowing and strongly connected to the surroundings. An imported Italian-made lift unites each level, which is crowned by a private parents' retreat. One floor down, three further bedrooms share the family bathroom. The main living expanse encompasses lounge, dining and an island kitchen custom-crafted from a mix of concrete, Blackwood and brass and featuring a suite of fully integrated top of the range Fisher & Paykel appliances. Here cavity stacker doors peel right back to allow a seamless connection to the horizon-edge, gas-heated mineral pool and all-weather alfresco entertaining area. Crafted to absolute perfection, this one-of-a-kind home also plays host to an endless list of features that elevate the level of luxury throughout including: - An oversized double garage with integrated wine cellar, laundry and powder room - Abundant valuable storage in and around the home - Smart phone operation of garden irrigation, TV, Foxtel, media, music and lighting - Zoned ducted air-conditioning and individually zoned under floor heating - Security system - 100% wool carpet and custom linen curtains to bedrooms - Wheelchair friendly access throughout The undeniable appeal of this noteworthy residence is made utterly irresistible by the lifestyle it offers. Occupying a peaceful cul-de-sac setting, it's no more than 5-minute drive down to the surf, The Junction's boutiques and cafes and Westfield Kotara's shopping and entertainment. Council Rates: $2,160 approx. per annum Water Rates: $810 approx. per annum Disclaimer: All information contained herein is gathered from sources we deem reliable. However, we cannot guarantee its accuracy and act as a messenger only in passing on the details. Interested parties should rely on their own enquiries. Some of our properties are marketed from time to time without price guide at the vendors request. This website may have filtered the property into a price bracket for website functionality purposes. Any personal information given to us during the course of the campaign will be kept on our database for follow up and to market other services and opportunities unless instructed in writing.