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.

itn architects great ocean road house australia
looking through the ti-trees

itn architects great ocean road house australia
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.

itn architects great ocean road house australia
kitchen

itn architects great ocean road house australia
spine wall shelving

itn architects great ocean road house australia
hallway between sleeping and living areas

itn architects great ocean road house australia
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.

itn architects great ocean road house australia
main living space

itn architects great ocean road house australia
looking towards the landscape

itn architects great ocean road house australia
bedroom interior

itn architects great ocean road house australia
elevated living rooms

itn architects great ocean road house australia
east end

 

 

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