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 now a masterclass in restraint and intentional design, available for short-term stays (https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/1293161526970678316?sourceimpressionid=p31768781522P3uymw_Xw4pbNerO). Three years after purchasing the property, the couple embarked on a transformation that prioritizes simplicity over excess, creating a space that defies definition—part bedroom, part yoga studio, part lounge, and entirely open to possibility.
The decision to repurpose the garage rather than expand the house is both practical and profound. By avoiding the red tape of a development application, Crick and Nigel stayed within the existing footprint, but they also unlocked something greater: a structure unburdened by the constraints of a traditional ‘room.’ Instead, the pavilion is designed around experience, inviting its users to define its purpose. And this is the part most people miss—how a simple shift in perspective can turn a utilitarian space into a sanctuary.
Before the renovation, the house was a fixer-upper, plagued by water damage, termites, dry rot, and a crumbling concrete floor. Yet, its straightforward construction—concrete base, timber stud walls, and asbestos sheeting—became an unexpected advantage. Crick and Nigel dismantled and reassembled the home with ease, preserving its original footprint while adding just two elements: a suspended timber verandah off the bedroom and an enclosed laundry. The result? A home that feels both refreshed and rooted in its history.
The pavilion, meanwhile, stands as a companion to the house—distinct yet unmistakably connected. This harmony is achieved through a shared material palette of cement sheeting, ironbark, corrugated iron, tiled floors, and stainless steel fixings. But it’s the subtle differences that keep each structure unique: the pavilion’s interior is lighter, with exposed timber that contrasts softly with the house’s warmth. Is this blending of old and new the future of sustainable design, or does it risk losing architectural identity? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Color plays a starring role in this narrative. Both buildings are clad in varying shades of dark green, allowing them to melt into the lush native garden. Recycled brick paving forms pathways and a central ‘plaza’—a nod to the couple’s 20 years in Spain—while the pavilion’s floating verandah pays homage to their travels in Japan. It’s a global influence distilled into a quiet, cohesive whole.
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here—it’s seamlessly integrated. Solar panels and a battery system power the property, while a non-water native coastal garden replaces the former grass and concrete. But does eco-friendly design always have to sacrifice luxury? Or can the two coexist harmoniously?
For Crick and Nigel, the true measure of success is deeply personal. ‘The project has created a home that makes us feel content, calm, and slow,’ Nigel reflects. ‘Walking barefoot, rinsing off sea salt in the outdoor shower, or napping in the pavilion surrounded by trees and the laughter of kookaburras—these are the moments that matter.’ In a world that often equates more with better, this garage-turned-pavilion is a powerful reminder that less can indeed be more. What do you think? Is simplicity the ultimate luxury, or does modern living demand more? Share your thoughts below.
