The brief
A holiday house/weekender where shelter, shade and connection to the landscape are prioritised. Also part of the brief was adequate space for multi-family use, memorable architecture to take advantage of limited views to the beach and surrounding mature trees, privacy from neighbouring buildings, the use of robust low-maintenance materials suitable for the beach environment, and the employment of passive environmental design principles.
Design outcomes
On a complicated, subdivided block with cross easements and significant fall, the house is stretched along the southern boundary, allowing a series of gardens to buffer neighbouring buildings and easements. Upstairs, living spaces open to elevated decks and terraces set among tree canopies and lookouts to the beach. A garden room to the east of the house provides access to the beach and includes playful amenities including an outdoor shower, timber seating and towel rails sheltered by a high recycled brick wall. Materials are natural, raw and sustainable, requiring little maintenance and built to withstand the coastal environment as well as its long-term use as a beach house or potential holiday letting.
Editor’s favourite
The star of the show — the breezeway — provides cross ventilation, acts to thermally regulate the house and provides access to flexible bedroom spaces that open directly to garden areas.
Details
Location: MacMasters Beach, New South Wales
Architect: David Boyle Architect
Builder: Paterson Builders
Photography: Brett Boardman