Imagine transforming a humble garage into a breathtaking garden pavilion that feels like a hidden oasis. That’s exactly what happened in Fingal Head, NSW, where a modest 1950s coastal home got a stunning makeover. But here’s where it gets controversial: instead of expanding the house, the owners chose to repurpose the garage into a versatile pavilion, sparking a debate about the true essence of modern living spaces. Is it about adding more, or creating something meaningful with what you already have?
Cal Somni, owned by Crick King and Nigel Chouri, is more than just a holiday home—it’s a testament to thoughtful design and intentional living. Available for short-term stays (https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/1293161526970678316?sourceimpressionid=p31768781522P3uymw_Xw4pbNerO), this property has been meticulously renovated over the past three years, prioritizing restraint over excess. ‘We wanted to create a space without a defined use,’ Crick explains. ‘It could be anything—a spare bedroom, a yoga studio, a lounge, a dining area, an office, or even a party zone.’ This philosophy challenges traditional notions of home design, inviting us to rethink how we use our spaces.
The decision to convert the garage into a pavilion was both practical and profound. By avoiding a development application, they worked within the existing structure’s limits, but this constraint also unlocked a unique opportunity: to design a space free from the expectations of a typical ‘room.’ And this is the part most people miss: the pavilion isn’t just an addition—it’s an experience, a place where the boundaries between indoors and outdoors blur.
Before the renovation, the house was in dire condition, plagued by water damage, termites, dry rot, and a sinking concrete floor. However, its simple construction—concrete base, timber stud walls, and asbestos sheeting—proved to be an unexpected advantage. Crick and Nigel were able to dismantle and rebuild the home with relative ease, retaining its original footprint while adding only a suspended timber verandah and an enclosed laundry. The result? A home that feels both new and deeply rooted in its history.
The pavilion, meanwhile, was designed to complement the house—distinct yet unmistakably connected. This visual harmony is achieved through shared materials like cement sheeting, ironbark, corrugated iron, tiled floors, and stainless steel fixings. Yet, subtle differences, such as the pavilion’s lighter interior with exposed structural timber, ensure each structure retains its unique character. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Can a building truly be ‘free from expectations’ while still serving a purpose? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Color plays a pivotal role in tying the two structures together. Clad in varying shades of dark green, both buildings seamlessly blend into the surrounding native garden. Recycled brick paving creates pathways and a central ‘plaza’ between them—a nod to the owners’ 20 years in Spain. Meanwhile, the pavilion’s floating verandah pays homage to their travels in Japan, adding a touch of global inspiration to the design.
Sustainability is quietly woven into every aspect of the project. Solar panels and a battery system power the home, while a non-water native coastal garden replaces the former grass and concrete. These choices not only reduce the property’s environmental footprint but also create a serene, low-maintenance retreat.
For Crick and Nigel, the true success of the project lies in its ability to evoke a sense of peace and contentment. ‘Walking around barefoot, rinsing off sea salt in the outdoor shower, or napping in the pavilion surrounded by trees and the sound of kookaburras—these are the moments that make it all worthwhile,’ Nigel reflects. But here’s the real question: In a world that often equates more with better, can we embrace the idea that less truly is more?
Ultimately, this garage-turned-garden pavilion is more than just a renovation—it’s a reminder of the power of simplicity and intention. It challenges us to rethink our spaces, our priorities, and our connection to the world around us. So, what do you think? Is this the future of home design, or just a passing trend? Let us know in the comments!
