A lesson in ‘invisible architecture’ on Beachfront property in Manly, NSW.

This stunning property in this spectacular location on the water’s edge at Manly, Sydney, is built to celebrate its surroundings and maximise the ocean views.

Its carefully designed horizontal timber look batten screens across floor to ceiling windows provide privacy without obscuring the view. Designer Koichi Takada refers to this as invisible architecture, executed perfectly in this beachfront property.

The designer ingeniously uses the coastal setting as a muse - “the sweeping curves of the facade are reminiscent of the shape of the picturesque Manly coastline or the rolling waves of the Pacific.”.

In drawing inspiration from the natural environment, the designer uses minimalist and precise design to connect the residents with their surroundings. The Ever Art Wood timber look battens cut and staggered at different lengths to create the crescent shaped feature screens is evidence of this as well as the soft rounded corners of each floor. The lightweight battens have also been affixed to sliding screens, providing an option for uninterrupted ocean views, a fantastic additional feature of utility.

"The sweeping curves of the facade are reminiscent of the shape of the picturesque Manly coastline or the rolling waves of the Pacific.”

- Koichi Takada, Architect.

Koichi Takada Architects were able to realise their vision of a timber aesthetic in this high humidity, marine environment thanks to qualities of Ever Art Wood timber look aluminium battens. The battens are suitable for the harsh coastal regions because of the durability of aluminium. They are also resistant to salt water and damage by UV rays. Unlike real timber, they will not warp or require ongoing treatments meaning they have zero to low maintenance. ⁣

Achieving a realistic timber aesthetic was of paramount importance with the screens being such a visible part of the building. The same realistic timber look polymer wrap used on the battens were also used on the vacuum sealed endcaps, creating an incredibly convincing timber alternative.

Cladding profile

Custom 100x100 Ever Art Wood Kabebari Battens

Ever Art Wood

Supuringu Oku

Finish

Textured

Fire rating

Performs well when tested to AS/NZ 1530.3 (spread of flame / index 0) and AS/NZ 3837-1998 (result / Group 1)

Photography: Martin Sieger & Tom Ferguson