Imagine transforming a humble garage into a serene garden pavilion that feels like a hidden oasis. That’s exactly what Crick King and Nigel Chouri achieved in Fingal Head, NSW, turning a forgotten space into a versatile retreat that’s as functional as it is beautiful. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this isn’t just a renovation—it’s a philosophy. Tucked behind a modest 1950s coastal home, their holiday retreat, Cal Somni, is a masterclass in restraint and intentional design. Available for short-term stays (https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/1293161526970678316?sourceimpressionid=p31768781522P3uymw_Xw4pbNerO), the property has been reimagined to prioritize experience over excess, leaving visitors wondering: Can a space truly be everything and nothing at once?
Crick explains, ‘We wanted to create a space without a defined use—a blank canvas that could adapt to our needs, whether as an extra bedroom, yoga studio, or even a party venue.’ And this is the part most people miss: instead of extending the house, they converted the rear garage into a pavilion, a decision that was both practical and profound. By avoiding a development application, they worked within the existing footprint, but also freed the structure from the constraints of traditional ‘room’ expectations. It’s a building designed for living, not just existing.
Before the renovation, the house was a fixer-upper, plagued by water damage, termites, and a crumbling concrete floor. Yet, its simple construction—concrete base, timber walls, and asbestos sheeting—became an unexpected advantage. Crick and Nigel dismantled and reassembled it with ease, retaining the original footprint while adding only a suspended timber verandah and an enclosed laundry. But here’s the controversial part: in an era of constant expansion, they chose to work with what they had, proving that thoughtful design doesn’t always require more space.
The pavilion itself is a study in harmony, visually connected to the house through shared materials like cement sheeting, ironbark, and corrugated iron, yet distinct in character. Its lighter interior, with exposed structural timber, contrasts gently with the house’s coziness. Even the color palette—shades of dark green—blends seamlessly into the native garden, raising the question: Can architecture truly disappear into its surroundings?
Inspired by their time in Spain, recycled brick paving forms pathways and a central ‘plaza’ between the two structures, while the pavilion’s floating verandah nods to their travels in Japan. Sustainability is subtly integrated, with solar panels, a battery system, and a water-wise native garden replacing the former grass and concrete. But here’s where it gets personal: for Nigel, the project’s greatest success lies in its ability to evoke calm. ‘Walking barefoot, rinsing off sea salt in the outdoor shower, or napping in the pavilion surrounded by kookaburras—it’s a home that slows us down,’ he reflects.
This garage-turned-pavilion isn’t just a renovation—it’s a manifesto for intentional living. It challenges us to rethink how we use space and reminds us that sometimes, less truly is more. So, here’s the question for you: In a world that often equates bigger with better, could embracing restraint be the key to creating spaces that truly nourish the soul? Let’s discuss in the comments!
