CULBURRA BEACH HOUSE

The site was a never built upon piece of land situated beachfront at Culburra. The landscape is windswept, with low native foliage with a large setback to the beach consisting of planted sand dunes.

Following the recent bush fires that raged down the south coast, the site was categorised as an FZ zone; this imposed many constraints on the design in terms of materials. The aim was to preserve the landscaped area between the beach and the house; to combat erosion by preserving the sandbanks and introduce more indigenous flora to support the system that already exists.

The site has an extraordinary view of the sea and sky. The shapes of the trees are bent over and distorted by constant winds along the coast. The design of the house responds to this with a roof shape that sweeps up and flattens towards the beach. The idea was that when viewed from the beach the house would sit back into the landscape rather than making a statement. It is a house that becomes a safe retreat and a place of serenity amidst the storm.

LOCATION

Culburra Beach

COMPLETION

2023

PHOTOGRAPHY

Clinton Weaver

AWARDS

2024 RAIA Award - Houses (shortlisted)