The mezzanine retreat is spacious yet cosy. All interior walls and ceilings were painted with zero VOC, GECA certified EcoStyle Paints.
Design considerations for coastal living THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT IS A NATURAL, MESMERISING LANDSCAPE YET AT THE SAME TIME, HARSH, UNFORGIVING AND CORROSIVE. For this reason, it is important to think carefully about the design features included in a coastal home and the materials used to achieve them, especially when striving for a sustainable home, according to Narissa. Block selection: “Block selection is one of the most important things in sustainable design. Ideally we want to place all the services and utilities down the western side to provide shading for the rest of the home like we have in the Cloud. Living spaces and bedrooms are positioned to capture north easterly breezes in summer,” explains Narissa. Exterior materials: The selection of cladding or exterior materials that enhance appearance while withstanding the unforgiving coastal exposure, such as the cladding chosen for this build, is critical for the longevity of the home.
Summer 2017
Lifestyle: Bringing the outside in and the inside out is a common lifestyle aspiration in more moderate Australian climates. The Cloud does this beautifully with a wrap-around verandah that provides ample space to soak in the sea breezes and plenty of windows and doors with views to the gardens. Protection: Many coastal suburbs are exposed to ferocious winds off the ocean. Creating shelter from this unpleasant coastal characteristic can make or break the design of a coastal abode. “A protected outdoor area where inhabitants can sit back and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle while still being protected from the wind is important in a coastal build,” says Narissa. “It is optimum to include a north-facing deck and select a roofing material that will allow the winter sun to access the living spaces but block out the harsh summer sun.” Outdoor shower and storage: An outdoor shower and suitable storage for both little and big kids’ toys are important aspects of building to embrace the coastal lifestyle with outdoor showers one of the most popular requests from ESH clients.
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