Overlooking Port Philip Bay in Southern Victoria, Beach House reimagines an enclosed two-level townhouse into a generous and light-filled family home, connected to its coastal vistas.

The client brief expressed a desire to differentiate the townhouse from its adjoining neighbour, while maximising living space and capitalising on views. The careful application of a shiplap timber cladding and recessive dark render to the lower level gives the front façade a striking graphic presence – a composition of floating timber geometries. A veil of matching timber battens creates a symmetrical portal that accentuates the point of entry, while timber-lined soffits reaffirm the effect of the ‘timber box’ façade as a floating element.

While coastal views could once only be appreciated from the balcony, the new architectural response thoughtfully unites the home’s principal living spaces with the natural landscape. An extension of the lounge area repurposes the footprint of the former balcony and northern walkway, capitalising on the full width of the block.

A generous single-panel bay window offers uninterrupted views of the sea, allowing occupants to delight and dwell in the coastal context. A sculpted steel fireplace anchors the room and is flanked by blackened timber joinery, highlighting the clients’ coveted collection of art and objects, while ensuring views remain focal. Beyond, a new blackbutt timber deck is elevated to maximise visibility to the coast, with new barbeque facilities supporting the clients’ love of entertaining. An existing carport is enclosed at the rear of the property, offering a quiet private courtyard for the master bedroom. Throughout, a reductive approach to materials gives clarity to the architecture, while the continuity of timber battens – front fence, façade, lounge room ceiling and upper deck – creates a sense of warmth and cohesion that binds together old and new.  

While sleek in nature, Beach House is a highly technical project. Each intervention is meticulously considered to balance privacy and views, aesthetics and functionality, resulting in a well-resolved and experience-enhancing outcome that elevates the experience of home life.