The initial premise for the design was to ‘re-interpret’ the beach house by integrating traditional materials of corrugated metal, fibre cement sheeting and timber elements, onto a contemporary and dynamic shape. The restraints of a small site area, low budget and restrictions due to flooding, resulted in exploring the unconventional concept of a cantilevered structure, with both ends overhanging and counterbalancing each other. Using steel for the major structural elements, and timber for the secondary structure, a very economical and bridge-like architecture was created to inspire a soaring visual effect.
Working with a small budget required the use of innovative or unconventional details to achieve the desired design outcome. This house incorporates sustainable design principles and has been planned to take advantage of natural ventilation, passive solar design and very economical use of space. Building materials, with sustainable credentials, were used, such as plantation timber, bamboo for flooring, and plywood for ceilings. The abstraction of the timber-battened vernacular of subtropical architecture adds movement and scale to the house.
Project Team REFRESH*DESIGN www.refreshdesign.com.au www.instagram.com/refreshdesign REFRESH*DESIGN [R*] is an awardwinning Brisbane based architectural design studio committed to realising finely crafted contemporary architecture responsive to brief and context. They have completed a diverse range of projects including houses and renovations, townhouses and apartments, commercial and hospitality projects. Photography Damien Bredberg damienbredberg.com.au
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