Whale House

This two-storey beachfront residence was designed for a surf-loving couple and their two grown children. A timber boardwalk runs like a circulation spine through the house, linking the entry and rear decks. Internalised parts of the boardwalk have been detailed to retain the timber spacing of the external decks and further strengthen the connection. The boardwalk connects a group of spaces along the northern side of the building and draws you out towards the ocean beyond. A series of aligned windows link these spaces together and frame a view to the beachfront bushland. The circulation spine also extends vertically to create a double-height threshold crossed only by a bridge into the master bedroom.

A large screen wraps around the front door to define the entire Northern side of the house. Its distinctive profile rises out of the dunes to address the neighbourhood and has resulted in the building being known locally as the Whale House. An elongated sunrise deck becomes a moment of joy accessed from the master bedroom. It provides a private yoga space and a daily journey for the owners to connect with the surf each morning with ocean views through the tree canopy.

Project Team - Paul Uhlmann and Justin Humphrey 

Engineer - Westera Wartners

Builder - W C Construction

Photography - Andy Macpherson Studio

Completion Date 2016