Year completed: 2023

Location: City Beach, Noongar Whadjuk Country

Team: See Design Studio, Ohlo Studio, Mark Jeavons

Photography: Jack Lovel

Iwan Iwanoff is one of the most recognised architects from WA throughout the mid-century period, with his later works evolving to a brutalist style for which he became most renowned. Completed in 1971, Tomich House stands as one of Iwanoff’s most distinctive brutalist houses.

Multiple alterations and three-level extension in 1986 deviated from the architect’s original vision resulting in compromised planning and gradual disrepair. A comprehensive restoration and adaptation was undertaken over three years in collaboration with architect Mark Jeavons and interiors Ohlo Studio.

The garden design borrows oddities and quirks from the architecture, replicating forms and offsets within the landscape to create something other than a traditional approach to a residential garden.

The soft landscaping and planting was completed by See Design Studio personally. Predominantly endemic Western Australian and Mediterranean plant specimens showcase a landscape grounded in its suburban location.

The new entrance is grand and returns a street presence to the property, highlighting the unique shapes of the building and iconic Iwanoff staircase. Abstract offsets are scattered throughout the arrival garden becoming “showcases” for lush planting. Mature olive trees anchor the front gardens, complimented by structural cacti that assist in creating a distinct look and feel.

Tasteful reimagining of entertainment spaces show both reverence for the building's history and make space for modern coastal living. The restoration of the pool is a nod to the house's party glitz and is the centerpiece of outdoor living.