An
international industrial hemp trader is building one of Australia’s most
expensive and spectacular eco-homes at Queensland’s exclusive Sunshine
Beach.
Russian Evgeny Skigin has
commissioned a leading architect to build a $14 million six-bedroom,
seven-bathroom contemporary home nestled into the hillside next to Noosa
National Park.
The Australian
has viewed planning documents for the “Skigin House”, on almost a
hectare of absolute beachfront vacant land purchased by
Liechtenstein-based Universal Property Company Establishment in late
2013 for $5.4m. The multi-million-dollar house is set to be one of
Australia’s finest homes, in one of the nation’s best settings.
Early
works have started on the site, after Universal Property Company
Establishment awarded a $14m tender to Queensland builders Hutchinson
for the challenging two-year construction.
The
curved concrete and timber home spans more than 1400sq m of living
space across three levels. It is designed for privacy in a structure
that blends into the environment, with green awnings and a green roof.
Prominent architect Noel Robinson, whose
workbook includes Brisbane’s equal-tallest tower, Skytower, said the
client was confidential. He said the home was designed to sit
unobtrusively in the natural surrounds and the client had allowed “a
generous budget”.
“It’s a very special
building and a very special site,” he said. “You only get one chance at
this site and we’re privileged to work on it.”
Hutchinson’s
Sunshine Coast area manager Michael Michell, who also declined to
comment on the client, said the house was set to be a spectacular but
unobtrusive landmark. He said the build would be difficult and complex
due to engineering and scale.
“It is more commercial than residential,” he said. “It’s going to be a fairly impressive build.”
The
house will be largely “off-grid”, with solar panels, batteries, water
storage, a greywater system, natural pool filtration and a green roof
and panelling.
Mr Skigin, understood to
be aged in his 30s, is listed as a representative of the
Cyprus-registered hemp company Konoplex Ltd, a member of the European
Industrial Hemp Association.
The Australian was unable to contact Mr Skigin by email or phone.
The
lowest level will include a large lounge spilling out to a pool terrace
alongside a leisure pool and a lap pool. Inside is a cinema, gym, steam
room, sauna and ice bath with changing facilities.
The
lift takes residents up to the main living level. There the dining area
and living space look out to uninterrupted views of the ocean. The
kitchen includes a separate butler’s pantry, freezer room and cold
store.
Five bedrooms all face the ocean
and have ensuites. On the top level is a guest suite, workshop and
study. There is parking for six cars.
The
Lions Head pocket of Sunshine Beach is home to some of Australia’s most
prominent identities. A neighbouring home is owned by television
producer John Stainton. Down the road, tennis star Pat Rafter’s home is
on the market.
Local real estate agent
Peter Butt said the Sunshine Beach waterfront market was confined to
just 54 homes and it was only increasing in prestige.
“It’s
a very strong market,” he said. “Another $20m asset at the northern end
of Sunshine Beach is quite a significant sign. It will be the most
expensive single residence in Noosa.”
By Roseanne Barrett and Mark Schliebs
The Most Expensive Things in the World
