The Boat Haus
The contemporary canvas of this bayside home is painted with playful nostalgic touches.
Words: Casey Hutton / Photography and Videography: Mark Zeidler, Coast Park Creative
“It was trashed by squatters and had termites, asbestos, and all things in between,” Tamica Hansen remembers. She’s talking about the distinctive pink, flat-roofed house that once stood on their block in Queensland’s Moreton Bay region.
The story goes that the home originally belonged to a boat builder – but by the time Tamica and her husband Richard bought it for their young family, it was dilapidated after standing vacant for years. “We did get a couple of builders in to see if we could save it, but it was too far gone.”
“It was trashed by squatters and had termites, asbestos, and all things in between.”
““We knew that we wanted to keep the design of the flat roof and tie in the pink of the outside.” ”
The couple demolished the house and built a new one in its place, taking inspiration from the original dwelling and even naming it ‘The Boat Haus’. “We knew that we wanted to keep the design of the flat roof and tie in the pink of the outside,” Tamica explains.
While the boat builder’s home crouched low to the ground, the new Boat Haus, with its whitewashed exterior, appears to vault up into the sky. Built over three levels, with five bedrooms, its long and tall design takes in ocean views.
A rooftop terrace was Richard’s idea. “It was an easy addition, as we didn’t have to worry about the pitch of the roof,” says Tamica. “We had stood on top of bulldozers when it was a block of land to see what our view would be, but we never imagined it to be as beautiful as it is.”
Unsurprisingly, the heart of this home – and Tamica’s favourite space – is its third-storey kitchen. A giant window above the stove looks out to sea, and sliding doors open to a generous balcony with yet more views. A luxurious Calcutta marble island benchtop is the hero. “It weighs over 400kg, so that was a good time getting it into the house,” Tamica quips.
“A luxurious Calcutta marble island benchtop is the hero. “It weighs over 400kg, so that was a good time getting it into the house.”
While she’d designed an all-white modern interior, Tamica felt compelled to warm the spaces with timber as she styled them. This approach is evident throughout the home, which Tamica describes as “modern coastal with a hint of vintage”. Herringbone parquet floors and brass accents add texture and depth in the kitchen; all-white bathrooms are enlivened with feature tiles and statement basins; retro blush-pink crops up on walls and in furnishings, as do old-school nautical motifs like palm trees, oars and life rings.
Feature walls have also been used to add texture and interest. “They really transform a space,” says Tamica. “And when you get over it? Paint it or wallpaper it.”
These bursts of colour and character are arguably an extension of Tamica’s own spirited personality. “I cannot sit still; I always need a project – my poor husband!” she laughs. “So, we have just bought a block of land at Newport and we’re going to build again. Can’t wait!”
