A Transformative Pavilion in Fingal Head
Nestled quietly behind an unassuming 1950s coastal home in Fingal Head, New South Wales, lies a backyard pavilion that transcends the notion of just being an addition; it feels like a destination all on its own.
This charming getaway, known as Cal Somni, is the vision of Crick King and Nigel Chouri. They share this holiday retreat with family and friends, and it is also available for short-term rentals (you can check it out here). After acquiring the property three years ago, they embarked on a thoughtful renovation of both the house and garage, opting for a design approach grounded in simplicity over extravagance.
Crick shares their philosophy, stating, ‘We aimed to establish a space that doesn’t have a strict function.’ This flexibility allows the area to adapt as needed: it could serve as an extra bedroom, a yoga studio, a cozy lounge, a dining room, an office, or even a party venue.
The choice to repurpose the existing garage into a pavilion, rather than extending the main house, was both a practical and philosophical decision. By adhering to the original building’s footprint and volume, they sidestepped the need for extensive development approvals. More importantly, this approach fostered a creative freedom—designing a structure that is not confined by the traditional expectations of a room, but instead focused on delivering enriching experiences.
Before the renovation, the house faced significant issues, including water damage, termites, dry rot, and a sinking concrete floor. However, the straightforward materials used in its construction—concrete base, timber stud walls, and asbestos sheeting—proved advantageous, allowing Crick and Nigel to dismantle and reassemble the home with considerable ease. They preserved nearly the entire original structure, with only minor additions such as a suspended timber verandah off the bedroom and a fully enclosed laundry.
The pavilion itself was crafted to complement the house—distinct yet harmoniously related. This connection is visually reinforced through a shared palette of materials, including cement sheeting, ironbark, corrugated iron, tiled floors, and stainless steel fixtures. Nevertheless, subtle distinctions help maintain each building’s unique character; the pavilion’s interior is brighter and features exposed structural timber that subtly contrasts with the darker tones of the house.
Color also plays a pivotal role in the overall aesthetic. Both structures are adorned in various shades of dark green, helping them blend seamlessly into the lush native garden that surrounds them. Pathways and a central ‘plaza’ between the two buildings are crafted from recycled bricks, inspired by the couple's two-decade experience living in Spain. The pavilion’s floating verandah pays homage to their travels in Japan, infusing the space with a sense of global influence.
Sustainability is a core element of this project, with solar panels and a battery system installed, along with a native coastal garden that replaces the former grass and concrete landscape.
For Crick and Nigel, the most rewarding aspect of their endeavor is deeply personal.
‘On a personal level, the most successful part of the project has been creating a home that instills in us feelings of contentment, calmness, and a slower pace of life,’ Nigel reflects. He describes moments of walking barefoot around the property, rinsing off sea salt in the outdoor shower, and drifting off to sleep in the pavilion surrounded by trees and serenaded by the sounds of kookaburras.
Ultimately, the transformation of the home and pavilion serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, embracing simplicity leads to a more fulfilling experience.
