Brief: To transform an ageing 1950’s fibro (asbestos) beach house and back shed on a sloping site near Turimetta Beach into a generous light filled and airy family home for a family of six. An inward and compartmentalised little house, the brief called for open plan living, opening up to the front and rear gardens, to district views westward and coastal views eastward, while drawing northern light deep into the ground level living space and proposed new upstairs addition. Guest accommodation and a pool were also required.

Challenges: Working with the existing footprint of the house and shed to minimise site works and costs, while achieving an ambitious and transformative design brief for an open flowing house.

Solutions: Design moves were based around retaining the core logic of the original floor plan, retaining the location of bedrooms and bathrooms to the north of the ground floor and opening up the kitchen and living spaces to the south. A second storey provides much needed additional living space and a parents retreat with outdoor bath to soak in the views! Large timber sliding windows animate the street and yard elevations, and provide complete operability and breathability to coastal breezes without the need for air-conditioning. A large floating skillion roof helps drink in the daylight and provide privacy to the master bedroom.

Highlights: Working with the logic of a classic Northern Beaches beach shack to reimagine it as a beautiful and inventive home in sympathy with the character and scale of the original house.