A fully rendered, modern Mediterranean-inspired home on the Gold Coast

Situated in a seaside suburb, located mere minutes away from the lustrous beaches of the Gold Coast, lies a ruin. Not just any ruin but one with rendered finishes, opulent bathrooms, and a plethora of curves and arches. We’re talking about Ruin X – an exquisite creation that defies expectations and pushes the design boundaries, both inside and out. A Mediterranean-inspired abode infused with a subtle sense of Hollywood glam, it’s safe to say it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

The masterminds behind this creation are Matt Jamieson and Emma Sweeny, a talented young duo making waves with their exceptional eye and bold approach to design. With two thriving businesses under their belt, the couple were searching for their next project to tackle and naturally, a renovation seemed like the perfect fit. After inspecting several fixer-uppers that didn’t quite live up to their expectations, the pair came across a humble ’80s brick home with so much potential and instantly knew they’d found the one.

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Located mere minutes away from the beaches of Queensland’s Gold Coast, Ruin X features a smooth rendered interior and exterior. Photography: Kristian Van Der Beek

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An arched glass door leads the way to the show-stopping kitchen, living and dining area inside. Photography: Kristian Van Der Beek

“It was an instant yes,” Emma recalls of her first encounter with the property. “The layout was great and there was so much backyard space. We knew that we could utilise it really well.” Despite some stiff competition from potential buyers, the couple were able to seal the deal and secure the home of their renovation dreams. “It was really a case of everything that happens, happens for a reason,” she says.

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Keen to reference Emma’s European heritage, the backyard is an entertainers dream, featuring a rounded swimming pool and a covered arched alfresco area with a built-in bar. Photography: Kristian Van Der Beek

Having purchased the home for $775,000 in December 2020, Matt and Emma embarked on an elaborate renovation which would continue for five months. Boasting four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a luxe master suite with a boutique-style dressing room, the end result is breathtaking to say the least.

While it’s certainly a sight to behold, playing it safe was never an option for the couple. “We wanted to lean towards a style that didn’t exist but resembled what a modern ruin would look like,” Matt explains of the design. “We both had this idea in our heads of something we’d never seen before and it just unfolded from there.”

Using his craft as a form of artistry, Matt brought the talents of his creative rendering business, Render X, to transform the ’80s home into the luxurious, cave-inspired residence it is today. Inside, a rendered finish and Venetian plastering adorn the interiors from top to toe, which is softened by an abundance of graceful curves and soaring ceilings. “I wanted the home to have that seamless look all the way through,” Matt explains. “Everything had to be arched with no square edges, even the external corners of every wall.”

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The seamless flow of soft arches and curves showcase the exceptional attention to detail. Photography: Kristian Van Der Beek

Inspiring an effortless flow from one room to the next, the open floor plan allows light to illuminate the textured finishes. An example of raw minimalism in its purest form, hues of beige and brushed copper fixtures exude warmth and glamour from every angle. Each room is in keeping with the monochrome aesthetic, but in a cosy and inviting way that commands attention. “Anyone who walks into our house says ‘wow, I have never seen a home like this before, it’s so different,'” says Emma.

But perhaps what’s most impressive about Ruin X is not its architectural aesthetic or equally skilful execution, but Matt and Emma’s relentless determination to bring their vision to fruition. The couple took a risk and dared to be different. Rather than turning to the latest trends, Matt and Emma designed the home with conviction and, in turn, have created a trend of their own. “Our goal is to design one-of-a-kind homes that have never been seen before.” says Emma.

With the home now sold under the hammer for an eye-watering $2.7 million, Matt and Emma are only just getting started. . “We just wanted to keep the hype up, get it on the market and jump into the next one,” says Matt. As for their next project, the couple is keeping tight-lipped for now but insist it’s only the beginning of what is yet to come. “We’re currently looking for our next property. We’ve loved every single minute and can’t wait to do it again.”

You can find Render X at renderx.com.au and @render.x and Object X at objectx.com.au and @object.x