DROMANA BEACH HOUSE

By Topology Studio

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This new house on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula evokes nostalgic memories of beachside holidays, from the playful forms of 1950s beach shacks to the fuzzy feeling of sand between your toes.

The two-storey house replaces a much-loved but long-outgrown shack. The brief was for a house that responded to the site, and one that provided enough room to accommodate the extended family for the summer holidays.

By drawing on the familiar silhouettes of the classic Australian beach houses that once populated this coastline, the design engages in a dialogue with the local context. A solid rectilinear upper level seems to float above a smaller lower level. The upper level contains bedrooms and the kitchen/living space, which opens onto a covered balcony with views of the bay and to the garden below.

The lower level is designed with the daily tracks of sandy feet and beach paraphernalia in mind and includes a bunk room and a playroom that spills out onto the lawn.

This home was a joy to design and client meetings often felt like a family Sunday lunch. Care was taken to ensure that the design met the needs of all family members: three sisters, their husbands, numerous children and, most importantly, the matriarch.

DROMANA BEACH HOUSE
DROMANA BEACH HOUSE

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DROMANA BEACH HOUSE

Topology Studio
Topology Studio
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About the
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Topology Studio was founded by directors Amy Hallett and Darren Kaye in 2012. Together, Amy and Darren bring to their practice a combined 40 years of experience in delivering projects with inherently complex and unique briefs, and a passion for exacting design standards.

Topology Studio’s designs are informed by the unique attributes of each site, in particular, the physical landscape and the climatic conditions, to create bold, rich and meaningful places. Their work combines a design-intensive, creative approach with robust, process-driven architecture.

Having spent a decade as Associate Director at one of Australia’s most respected architecture practices, Darren has extensive experience leading residential, commercial and hospitality projects across all scales. His innovative approach to design is driven by an interest in the way sustainability principles can enhance the inhabitant’s experience of architecture, as well as the broader environment.

Amy’s experience working for leading design architects has developed her passion for detail and conceptual legibility. She has worked on numerous public, residential and educational projects in Australia and overseas, notably The British Library Centre for Conservation and The Jewish Museum in London. Having a young family has provided new insight into designing for children and families in both the residential and public spheres.