ITN architects place timber beach house in australian seaside

ITN architects place timber beach house in australian seaside
all images courtesy of ITN architects

given a unique site in victoria, australia, with opposing conditions of extreme weather exposure, dramatic views to the landscape, and a very close proximity to a busy boulevard, the ‘great ocean road house’ by ITN architects is a simple diagram of a solution to a puzzle. as such, it captures the scenery from every room, provides private and protected outdoor spaces, and prevents heat from the summer sun from penetrating the façade. all of this is achieved within a grey timber form that occupies a small footprint on the sensitive coastal plot surrounded by ti-trees. the aging of the external materials will give the building a history with fading silvertop ash and semi-rusted steel shading screens streaking black stains on the walls and decks.

looking through the ti-trees

north side

there is no architectural agenda beyond serving the brief. the interior is all hoop pine ply featuring a spine shelving wall that runs the length of the house. simple, basic materials and finishes were used throughout. tough enough for sandy feet and surfboards, it’s a residence purposely designed to be subservient to its exposed seaside environment.

kitchen

spine wall shelving

hallway between sleeping and living areas

west entry hall

with the clients being a couple with three adult children, the volumes are zoned to allow half the house to be unoccupied as needed. as one is a writer and the other a keen surfer, the context puts the occupants in the center of dramatic weather changes – a stimulating refuge, while still being a casual beach house.

main living space

looking towards the landscape

bedroom interior

elevated living rooms

east end

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