Renovating a Coastal Home using COLORBOND® steel in Surfmist® in a Matt finish.

Cronulla’s coastal charm has a way of drawing people in and for long-time Shire residents Jen and Shane, it proved irresistible. Having already built their first home together in the sparkling Greenhills beachfront development of Cronulla, the couple found themselves ready for a second venture in the Cronulla area five years later. This time, they turned their attention to the suburb’s older southern pockets where they discovered what Jen fondly describes as “an old gem”, an untouched property ripe for transformation.

Rather than rushing into renovations the couple chose to live in the home for two years; a decision that would ultimately shape the success of the project – and something Jen recommends for those new to renovating.

"Funnily enough, I fell in love with the old girl,” says Jen. “She had such great bones. Living there gave us a real understanding of what we wanted to create."

A Collaborative Vision

With a clear vision forming, the next step was assembling the right team. Through mutual friends they connected with builder John Walker of WalkerBuild, who in turn recommended architect Jake French of SBD Studio, forming a collaboration that quickly proved to be the perfect fit.

“They wanted a home they could grow into overtime,” Jake explains. “A place that felt relaxed and enduring but had a holiday feel to it. That sense of ease became central to the design.”

Classic Coastal Calm

While Jen was drawn to a distinctly “beachy” aesthetic, longevity was key. The brief called for a home that felt fresh yet timeless, anchored by a palette of natural textures and soft, coastal tones.

A roof crafted from COLORBOND® steel offered both durability and a clean, classic profile suited to the beachside setting. Initially, Jen had envisioned a bold black roof, but working closely with their architect the early 3D renders of the proposed exterior enabled her to visualise their design vision, which prompted a rethink. The couple ultimately chose COLORBOND® steel in Surfmist®, a softer, lighter tone that harmonises effortlessly with the home’s palette of whites and warm neutrals. They also went for a matt finish that added a subtle, refined texture.

For Jen, the architect’s creation of image renders of the home was invaluable. “Seeing the design come to life through renders made all the difference,” she says. “We made quite a few changes after seeing them. It’s something I’d recommend to anyone building.”

Designed for Comfort

The renovation introduced cathedral ceilings through the central living zones, creating a sense of openness while enhancing the home’s connection to light and air. While this reduced roof cavity space for insulation, the choice of a lighter roof colour helped play an important role in maintaining thermal comfort. The low solar absorptance of COLORBOND® steel in Surfmist® Matt finish helps reflect the sun’s heat and helps keep interiors cooler during the warm coastal summers.* It has a low-maintenance finish that can be naturally cleaned by rainfall adding to its practical appeal.

Flow and Light

By lifting the original ceilings to meet the roofline, the design opens the home from front to back allowing natural light and ocean breezes to move freely throughout. Expansive glazing at both ends of the central living space enhances cross-ventilation while framing long, west-facing views now visible from the rear yard.

The result is a home that feels both expansive and effortless, blurring the boundaries between indoors and out.

The Value of Early Collaboration

For builder John Walker, the project highlights the importance of early collaboration. “One of the biggest challenges is when clients engage a builder too late,” he says. “The best outcomes happen when the builder, architect and client work together from the beginning. It keeps everything aligned, especially the budget.”

He also emphasises the importance of understanding the building process from the outset. “Know how your builder operates; how they quote, manage timelines, communicate, and handle variations. Clarity early-on makes the entire experience smoother.”

A Place to Unwind

Today Jen and Shane’s home is exactly what they envisioned: a refined yet relaxed coastal retreat where everyday life feels just a little like a holiday.

“On weekends it really does feel like you’ve escaped,” Jen reflects. “Once everything’s done you can just sit back, relax and enjoy it. That’s what we wanted and that’s what we got.”

Designed by Jake French of SBD Studio and built by John Walker of WalkerBuild, this thoughtfully reimagined home stands as a testament to collaboration, careful planning and the enduring appeal of coastal living, brought to life with COLORBOND® steel, proudly Made by Australia.

Footnote
* Results will depend on a wide range of factors including roof colour, roof shape, level and location of insulation, type, location, shape, and function of the building.