kingscliff house
contemporary beach houses that open onto courtyard gardens and coastal forest beyond
readthis commission was to design a series of contemporary beach houses in a new development just behind the beach in northern nsw.
the sites were relatively flat 600sqm rectangular blocks with limited views. the configuration of the subdivision meant that most houses would have neighboring houses on three sides in close proximity, with the street on the fourth side.
our strategy was to landscape around the perimeter of the sites with new coastal forest. this allowed us to focus views from the house to the new courtyard gardens. by opening up the walls of the beach house, this encouraged natural light and ventilation without compromising the privacy of the dwellings.
outdoor rooms and swimming pools were incorporated into the dwelling as design features and reflection pools. there was good separation of the public and private areas of the houses. living and entertaining areas on the ground level, opening onto the gardens. bedrooms and the bathrooms on the level above.
architect: david teeland
