Langs Beach New Build

The clients (two families) had taken some time to purchase just the right site, and were looking for a holiday home that would work when they were there as couples separately, together or with their families and friends. They wanted a relaxed house where space flowed internally and externally with sun and views from as many rooms as possible. When I first went to this amazing site, it was clear that the design concept should be all about getting the most of the west views down the beach and out to sea, while also maximising the sun to the north. To do this, and provide protection from the wind, we formed an L shaped building with a deck set between the two wings that faced north and west. The living pavilion roof angles up to capture the sun in winter while the overhanging eave limits the heat gain in summer. Light floods the space. We located a courtyard to the rear of the house which can be used when the off shore breeze comes up. Other sustainability features include double glazing, a storm water retention tank, insulation above code requirements and passive solar heating with mainly north and west windows and minimal south glazing. The site slopes steeply down to the west which meant digging out to create the driveway and garage which forms a platform for the living and deck level. The 2 storey bedroom wing forms the main bulk of the house anchoring it to the site, the garage and entry platform follows the slope of the site with the living room projecting out towards the bay to capture as much of the sun and views as possible. The clients (two sisters and their families) had a strict budget and we wanted to maximise the space, so the families and friends could all be there at once mixing together, but also being able to withdraw when preferred. This meant that we had to be clever with the space and make every square metre count. Because every square metre adds cost we limited corridor space to the entry and stairs and the upstairs corridor doubles as a study. The two master bedrooms, living areas and guest room have great views out to sea and get sun during the day and into the evening. As it is a holiday home the children's areas were treated as a lodge and we formed cabins that interconnected. When privacy is needed they can close the large frosted glazed doors between each cabin. This space saving allowed us to add a den which means kids and parents can separate when they want to. The clients have expressed how much they enjoy being at the house on numerous occasions.