Flat Rock House

This beachfront residence on the Southern Gold Coast was intended as a coastal retreat for a city couple and their network of family and friends. Having always had a beach house nearby, the couple took the opportunity to purchase  a run down block of brick units on the long but narrow site with the intention of creating their beachfront getaway.

Constrained by its 8.5m width, the site was also in a coastal scour zone as well as an aircraft noise impact zone due to its’ proximity to the  ocean and the Coolangatta Airport. This presented a unique set of challenges in construction which necessitated the use of 8m Piles and the extensive use of Acoustic Glass along with the usual robust materials required when building in a coastal environment.

The narrow site  and the requirement for large open living spaces also dictated that the building walls were built to their maximum allowed setbacks, and a layering of the façade was required to create visual interest along these sides, with curved corners used to further soften the edges.

This layering was achieved through the use of an extensive Aluminium Screen in soft greens, blues and neutral colours which wrapped three sides of the building and was suitably sculpted where required to provide privacy and shade. Part of the screen also doubled up as balustrading and handrails where required, and large pivoting sections of the screen allowed for maximum flexibility to open up to the view, but also provide privacy when required. Large window and door openings allow for maximum ventilation, and reinforce the indoor/outdoor feel throughout the building which is so appropriate for this climate.

The planning of the building locates the private bedroom spaces on the bottom level and top level of the building with the Living Spaces located in the middle. The bedroom spaces are set well back from the front façade of the building for privacy, while the central living level protrudes forward and engages more directly with the public.

The building also provides multiple outdoor living areas allowing the flexibility to use different outdoor spaces in various prevailing conditions. The main outdoor space is an elevated centrally located tropical landscaped courtyard on the first floor of the building which opens directly from the living spaces on this level and provides a large sheltered area protected from the south easterly breezes. The design of this area and the transparency of the living level of the building ensures that a connection to the water is always maintained. The long southern wall of the Living Space provides a “gallery” feel and allows for the extensive display of artwork. The eastern deck is stepped down from the main living area to allow for clear views from the Living Areas without having to look through a balustrade. The step in the deck combined with the screened balustrade also provide for privacy from the busy coastal walkway opposite the site.

Internally, the use of curves continues and the oak floors and warm grey stone combines with soft greens and blues to continue the relaxed feel. Spaces flow freely from inside to out as well as up and down, and the timber and glass open staircase combined with a two storey curved glass void give these spaces an expansive open feel that belies their relatively narrow width.

Project Team - Paul Uhlmann and David Currie 

Engineers - Westera Partners

Builder - Sanctuary 28

Photographer - Andy Macpherson Studio

Completed Date 2022