Brighton Sands by mckimm | A Sanctuary of Tranquility

Brighton Sands residence stands as a testament to mckimm’s commitment to creating innovative, high-end spaces. It’s not just a home - it’s a haven…

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From the architect: Brighton Sands, a residence by Melbourne-based architecture, interior design, and construction practice, mckimm, is a vision of tranquility, luxury, and organic design. The four-storey, five-bedroom, eight-bathroom home of Bondi Sands Co-Founder, Shaun Wilson, his fiancé, Tess Shanahan, and their newborn daughter draws inspiration from the LA hills, serving as a sanctuary that blurs the lines between inside and out. This balance is reflected in its light-filled spaces, use of natural materials, and architectural details that seamlessly blend form and function.

mckimm’s Director of Architecture, Danica Garizio shares, "Working closely with Shaun and Tess, our vision was to create a home that blends luxury with tranquility, providing a place to unwind after a busy day. Our design prioritises seamless indoor-outdoor living with organic, functional spaces that create a peaceful and timeless environment.”

Sweeping barrel archways define the heart of the home, guiding movement through the interior spaces crafted from travertine, Venetian plaster, marble, and custom-stained pale oak timber. Three staircases feature throughout the home, elegantly responding to its context. From the basement to the ground level, a staircase wraps around the lift shaft, guiding movement past an oversized mirror wall. A spiral ribbon staircase molded from polished plaster serves as a sculptural focal point, anchoring the home’s flow from the ground to the first floor. A rounded built-in lounge and bar with a skylight overhead sits quietly underneath. Lastly, ascending to the rooftop terrace, an industrial-style white powder-coated metal staircase reinforces the home’s material contrasts.

In the living areas, statement furniture elevates the design, whilst maintaining a sense of quiet luxury. Pierre Augustin Rose Saint Honoré sofa, B&B Italia’s Cameleonda armchairs, and a Baxter Italy Nepal chair are complemented by Custom Armadillo rugs, vintage Murano glass chandeliers, and Ben Mazey artwork. Lighting by Articolo and Christopher Boots softly enhances the natural light that streams through expansive openings, further connecting the interior to its landscaped surroundings.

On the first floor, the master suite with a walk-in robe and ensuite offers connection and escape with its travertine finishes, sandy tones, and carefully selected pieces including an Eames Lounge chair. The ensuite cantilevers over the alfresco area, enhancing the relationship between interior and exterior spaces.

Interior Design Manager, Isabella Cini shares. “The interior brief was to create a home that felt luxurious and personal. Each piece of furniture was carefully selected to complement the home’s organic design and to enhance a sense of quiet luxury, ensuring the interiors flow naturally with the surrounding landscape.”

Glazing plays a central role in the design and helps foster a biophilic connection. Large expanses of glass ensure natural light filters into every space, including the subterranean areas. Here, a wellness retreat evokes moments of calm. The space features Fysik gym equipment, a sauna, steam room, and ice bath, while the meditation circle offers a serene escape under a skylight that channels water-filtered light. This design element embodies the home’s philosophy of peace and rejuvenation.

Adjacent is the entertainment precinct, complete with a cocktail bar adding a touch of glamour with rippled bronze glass doors and curated vintage brass accents sourced from France. The space also includes a built-in DJ booth and opens onto a central private courtyard, enhancing the home's flow and creating an ideal setting for entertaining.

Outdoors, the property features a micro-cement infinity pool, multiple water features, a cobblestone circular driveway, and lush landscaping by Jack Merlo. Feature rock cladding, patterned paving leading to the basement courtyard, and thoughtfully curated outdoor elements create a seamless connection between the home and its natural surroundings.

Brighton Sands residence stands as a testament to mckimm’s commitment to creating innovative, high-end spaces. It’s not just a home—it’s a haven.

Architect: mckimm
Location: Brighton, Australia
Year: 2025
Landscape: Jack Merlo
Photography: Sharyn Cairns