Nestled on the oceanfront in Gerringong, the Bunker House by FutureFlip is a striking blend of mid-century modern architecture and rugged coastal charm. Conceived as a concrete bunker with raw, unfinished materials, it radiates a luxurious, high-end vibe, all while offering a fully automated smart-home experience. With seven guest bedrooms—six featuring private ensuites—three kitchens, and three separate living areas, it accommodates up to 16 guests for an unforgettable getaway.
This architectural home was designed by Neil and Krystal Hipwell as a personal homage to concrete and the coastal lifestyle they cherished. Dreaming of a luxury escape that merges resort-style living with raw contemporary aesthetics, they crafted a sanctuary that invites relaxation. Timber, concrete, and stone remain exposed as both structural elements and design features, creating a raw yet warm ambiance.
The home's clever design choices, like colour accents, break up the minimalism with pops of excitement. The inclusion of Nood Co basins, with their distinctive colours and matte finishes, aligns perfectly with this ethos. In the primary bathroom, a Trough Vanity Set in Pastel Peach pairs with an oversized, round bath, providing both practicality and a statement look against the breathtaking coastal backdrop. Meanwhile, each guest ensuite is equipped with a wall-hung Shelf basin and matching mirror, adding a sophisticated yet uniform touch.
Each Nood Co basin was thoughtfully coordinated with the tile grout colour, creating a harmonious aesthetic against the Haddon Matt white tiles from TileCloud. The subtle colour accents complemented the styling of each ensuite and bedroom, resulting in a unified, sophisticated look with matching mirrors above the basins. As the primary space where colour was used in the entire project, the matte finish and palette of the Nood Co basins brought a refined and cohesive touch to the pared-back luxury of the Bunker House.
“Nood Co basins fit in the luxe, stripped back theme as the basins added a pop of colour and excitement to every room, but still aligned with the raw material palette.” - Neil Hipwell, FutureFlip
Bunker House embodies the timeless quality of Neil Hipwell's architectural legacy through its thoughtful design and sustainability. With much of its structure protected underground, its slender concrete columns and splayed overhangs lend a lightweight aesthetic to the upper layers. The rooftop's retractable louvre, solar panels, and natural thermal climate control systems ensure energy efficiency, while double-glazed windows and blinds reduce glare and maintain privacy.
Inside, three living areas create intimate spaces within the open-plan layout, complemented by KING Furniture that balances the raw concrete with neutral tones and soft textures. Custom recycled messmate joinery in the kitchens and bedrooms brings warmth and craftsmanship into the mix, while the glass floor connecting the levels filters natural light throughout.
Ultimately, Bunker House stands as a testament to endurance and sustainability, merging rugged coastal architecture with modern sophistication in a coastal haven just 90 minutes from Sydney.
Watch the video feature by The Local Project here.
Photography by The Palm Co.
Architecture, Interior Design, Build, Styling, and Development: FutureFlip
Production & Video: The Local Project
April 02, 2024
Anastasia Ignatova