bourne + blue architecture builds seal rocks house 9 on australian coast

bourne + blue architecture builds seal rocks house 9 on australian coast
all images courtesy of shane blue

the new south wales north coast is about surfing and being in the bush. the land is dotted with small, simplistic buildings with an eye for functionality, not aesthetics. unfortunately, when such properties change owners, they are often scrapped in favor of massive suburban homes. such isn’t the case with the ‘seal rocks house 9’ by newcastle-based firm bourne + blue architecture.

countertop and bar with low profile cabinetry

the client’s request was for a compact holiday retreat that was not ostentatious and fitted within the picturesque landscape. to maintain the look and feel present on the property, the design team actually retained and renovated the original cottage. living space is predominately placed outside the home, spread amongst various pavilions and large decks. materials utilized throughout draw back to the context of the nearby village, and are optimized for harsh coastline weather.

kitchen and open entry to dining and living areas

careful consideration was given to the entry of the building — bathroom and shower is located close to the door for post-surf rinse offs — as were other areas of high use. surfboards have a designated zone out of the sun, and towels and wetsuits have their own spaces as well. transition from house to beach is easy, encouraging constant travel back and forth. ‘seal rocks house 9’ is compact and low-profile, ensuring that visits are spent focusing on the landscape, not the home.

living room

north deck

east deck view

outdoor furnishings and roof covering

laundry

bathroom

the house overlooks the new south wales north coast

view from the beach

original structure

project info:

architects: bourne + blue architecture
engineer: brett bargallie
builder: sugar creek building
photography: shane blue

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.

edited by: nick brink | designboom