Freshwater Beach House

The house is thoughtfully organised as a series of pavilions interspersed with landscaped courtyards, creating negative spaces that invite light, air, and vegetation into the heart of the building. As you move through the house, the gentle rustling of leaves and the scent of fresh greenery create a serene atmosphere, while the play of light and shadow adds a dynamic quality to the spaces.

Crafted with meticulous attention to the existing topography and the proximity of neighbouring properties, the house offers a sense of privacy and seclusion. The carefully positioned apertures, set back to maintain privacy, frame views of the surrounding landscape, allowing glimpses of nature while ensuring a comfortable distance from adjacent homes.

The skillion roof form is a masterstroke of environmental design. Sloping up to the northeast, it captures the refreshing summer north-easterly breezes, providing natural ventilation and moderating the internal climate. The counter roof, sloping south, not only enhances the street presence but also optimises the orientation for photovoltaic cells, harnessing solar energy efficiently.

Pop-up wind scoops with high-level vents facilitate cross ventilation, allowing the morning sun to penetrate deep into the plan. The result is a home that breathes with the environment, where the sounds of nature and the flow of air create a harmonious living experience. 

What owners Karen and Lance love: “We love that the place feels relaxed the minute you walk in. Every day is a holiday here.”

What Architect Paul Lucas loves: “I love the interplay of positive and negative space. Carefully considered courtyards provide light, air and a connection to nature, with luscious, Baliesque, green spaces throughout the building.”