australian beach house creates farmland sanctuary from wild ocean surroundings

atelier andy carson’s ‘headland house’ is a four bedroom and four-and-a-half-bathroom residence connected by three pavilions, wrapped around a protected courtyard and settled on a coastal site at werri beach, new south wales. the architects’ design is inspired by the spectacular landscape. the 180-degree views and breathtaking backdrop called for a respectful celebration of the location. instead of providing the same view throughout the house, the design creates considered framed glimpses of what lies outside. meanwhile, a storm-viewing room pays tribute to the drama of extreme weather fronts creeping up from the ocean.

‘headland house’ is a four bedroom and four-and-a-half-bathroom residence connected by three pavilions
all images by michael nicholson

australian based atelier andy carson‘s clients, beau neilson and her husband, jeffrey simpson, set the brief based on a clear understanding of how they live. the couple desired an elegant, comfortable residence for all conditions. their brief also called for a modest two-bedroom guest house on the site to accommodate visitors and extended family. the guest house is inspired by a farm shed, with a plan that’s charmingly simple yet highly considered in its detail.

the design creates considered framed glimpses of what lies outside

two verandas envelope the home on the north and south, providing opportunities to chase the sun or seek refuge from harsh winds. large copper operable louvers on the western facade can be adjusted to any angle, or fully open to light and views. visitors are encouraged to slow down from arrival — the home is accessed only by foot. the project’s sustainability features include utilizing only tank water (harvested from the roof) and on-site sewage treatment. atelier andy carson has created a robust family home that actively explores the relationship between building and landscape.

the 180-degree views and breathtaking backdrop called for a respectful celebration of the location

visitors are encouraged to slow down from arrival

the ‘headland house’ is wrapped around a protected courtyard

the clients desired an elegant, comfortable residence for all conditions

the architects’ design is inspired by the spectacular landscape

the clients called for a two-bedroom guest house on site to accommodate visitors and extended family

a robust family home that actively explores the relationship between building and landscape

a design that is charmingly simple yet highly considered in its detail

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.