The site is gently nestled against Cockrone lagoon to the north, buffered by a narrow reserve containing mature native trees. located within 200m of the breaking surf of Macmasters beach, the predictable micro-climates of the eastern Australian coastline apply, typically providing ocean breezes from the north east in summer.
The brief was simple, replace the existing beach cottage, keeping the current use and users and to celebrate the spectacular location.
Our response was to elevate all habitable rooms to the upper floor, effectively capturing the breeze and optimising the outlook. this physically separates the home from the rawness of the beach, the lake and surrounding vegetation, while simultaneously enhancing the connection to the outdoors.
The layout itself follows a reassuringly simple program. the floor plan is one room deep with a naturally ventilated hallway running along the western wall. the rectilinear shape has been separated by 2 courtyards that form 3 different zones; the social living area, the adult’s bedrooms and the children’s bedrooms. the courtyards provide outlook while maintaining privacy, and allow cross ventilation through operable glazing, with dual aspect rooms.
A natural material palette was implemented throughout. Exposed timber blackbutt is used extensively throughout the project as structural timber, engineered boards and solid timber joinery. blackbutt was chosen for its sustainable characteristics, it is locally grown, fast growing, is naturally termite resistant, and not susceptible to lyctus borers.