Caldwell

"The property has been cleverly designed taking full advantage of the panoramic views, the living area set to the front of the house opens to a fantastic enclosed BBQ area complete with inbuilt gourmet BBQ."

This spectacular but small beachfront site in Seal Rocks previously hosted a tiny fibro shack. The clients wanted the new holiday house to integrate with the local environment and surrounding fishing village and beach, while allowing for the two families who owned it to share the house during the holiday season.

The result was to create a simple, locally inspired, light timber-framed house with views out to the ocean, which naturally captures ocean breezes and draws them through the house when it is opened up in summer.

The living rooms were located overlooking the beach to take advantage of the dramatic ocean views. The lounge, dining area, and kitchen were centred around a covered courtyard, enabling easy flow and movement between inside and out. An external showering area was tucked behind the lounge room to allow bathers to rinse off before entering the house.

The upstairs bedrooms share the magnificent views over the ocean and open onto a large beachside terrace. The bunkroom downstairs has sea glimpses, whilst the television room/extra sleeping space provides a quieter setting, looking onto out onto the rear landscaped garden.

Caroline Pidcock
Katy Evans

Builder                      Sugar Creek Building
Structural Engineer  Partridge Partners
Photographer           Caroline Pidcock

Simple and intuitive methods for operating the house

Good thermal performance of house
Good natural light and ventilation
Good views to the outside
Polished concrete and timber floors throughout house
Low VOC paints

Good thermal performance to result in minimal heating and cooling
Appropriate levels of insulation and thermal mass
Ability to zone areas of the house
Well designed natural ventilation throughout house
Good natural light throughout house
Convenient, dedicated, sunny area for drying clothes

Water saving fixtures and appliances
Low water garden
Water tanks under the deck to provide all water needs

Materials selected with thought given to reducing their impacts over their life
House designed with modular and standard sizes in mind to reduce waste
House designed to easily adapt to changing family lifestyles

Size of project purposefully kept to the smallest possible
Built-on area kept to a minimum
Land used for building improved by project
Garden design to enhance local ecosystems and encourage local flora and fauna
Garden design inherent to house design  
Connection of living areas to garden to assist in better care