climate-resilient great barrier reef house by JDA takes cues from surrounding marine life

the house at lizard island by JDA Co.

Australian architecture practice JDA Co. constructs a climate-resilient residence on the rugged fringes of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef. Located on Lizard Island, the project emerged from the client’s aspiration to build ‘the greatest reef house in the world’. Employing a design that harmonizes with the surroundings, the house showcases a resilient exterior crafted from board-formed concrete. This robust material protects against extreme weather conditions while maintaining a gentle impact on the environment. Perforated copper blades lining the exterior act as debris shields that can withstand powerful cyclonic winds synonymous with the reef location.

the house is located on the Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef | all images by Peter Bennetts

JDA introduces SITE-RESPONSIVE AND CLIMATE-RESILIENT design

In the challenging environmental context of its location, the construction of the house demanded ingenuity. Collaborating closely with the builder, JDA Co. (find more here) achieved a delicate balance between minimizing disturbance to the environment and creating a durable structure that stands the test of time.

The house is inspired by the rich geology and marine life on Lizard Island. The architectural plan is reminiscent of the stingrays. Narrow slit windows to the south and west act as ‘gills’ and are placed to direct prevailing breezes and allow the house to breathe on hot days. Every detail of the residence is meticulously crafted to create a shelter and a protective haven when needed. The exterior design seamlessly combines functionality and visual appeal with its robust concrete construction. This carefully chosen material ensures resilience in the face of the region’s winds, offering strength and stability. Enhancing the concrete exterior, perforated copper blades serve as dependable shields, capable of withstanding the strong winds that may arise.

the house is inspired by the rich geology and marine life on Lizard Island

360-degree views of the great barrier reef

A central, curved stairwell serves as the heart of the house, seamlessly connecting its levels. As users ascend the stairs, they can gaze upward to find an oculus, allowing them to track the sun and moon’s patterns. The house is completed by a roof terrace and spa, offering panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. Each of the three bedrooms is individually designed to capture vistas of nearby and distant scenic locations.

To bring warmth to the residence and showcase the vibrant natural environment, Rosewood timber, and copper materials are utilized. A large curving Emerald Quartzite kitchen bench, reminiscent of a conch, adds a touch of subtle green tones that harmonize with the hues of the landscape and reef beyond. The material selection is deliberately restrained, allowing the surroundings to take center stage.

narrow slit windows to the south and west act as ‘gills’ directing breezes and allowing the house to breathe

JDA’s 3D LASER technology

To ensure the project harmoniously integrates with the landscape, it was crucial for JDA Co. to understand the challenging rock bed formation on-site. Before detailed design and construction, the design team utilized their in-house 3D laser technology, Spatial Ops, to explore, walk through, and seamlessly incorporate the landscape, even from off-site. This technology also documented the construction progress, accurately capturing building elements like the spiral stair formwork for contractors.

Fabricating most building elements off-site and shipping them to the island required a precise digital model, achieved through laser scanning. JDA’s experience on Lizard Island showcases the benefits of Spatial Ops technology, enabling the scanning of objects and places worldwide. It minimizes on-site time and facilitates data analysis within days of the site visit. The scanning technology and processes eliminate the need for travel to and from inaccessible locations, streamlining the entire project.

the concrete exterior design seamlessly combines functionality and visual appeal

perforated copper blades line the concrete exterior

a central, curved stairwell serves as the heart of the house, seamlessly connecting its levels

rosewood timber, and copper materials complement the concrete interior

a large curving emerald quartzite kitchen bench, reminiscent of a conch, adds a touch of subtle green tones to the interior

the house is designed to capture vistas of nearby and distant scenic locations

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project info: 

name: The House at Lizard Island 
architects: JDA Co.
design team: James Davidson, Sam Bowstead, Kane Murray, Martin Arroyo, Clive Ba-Pe, Brendan Pointon, Arjan Sandhu
interior styling: Sophie Hart
location: Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

photography: Peter Bennetts