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Narrow sites can be restrictive, but that doesn't mean good design has to be compromised. This house, on a 10m-wide site, highlights an innovative architectural approach to the problem.
Architect Adam Beck from BDA Architecture says the site, facing a beach, posed several other challenges as well.
"Obviously, we needed to maximise the view, but the prevailing winds are off the sea. So, although we could provide terraces at the front of the house, there was a need for an additional sheltered outdoor living area. The design also needed to provide privacy from the neighbouring properties, which include an apartment complex on the northern boundary."
And that wasn't all – the owners also wanted a large house with six bedrooms, including separate guest accommodation.
To meet these requirements, the three-storey house was built right to the boundaries on each side. The building effectively comprises two main pavilions linked by a long, narrow passageway that runs down one side of a central courtyard and pool area. The living areas, master suite and garage are in the front pavilion, while the back volume accommodates additional bedrooms and a guest suite.
The front pavilion of the house is contained within two long walls clad in painted timber with a shiplap profile. On the southern boundary, the wall extends beyond the upper terrace to provide additional privacy and a sense of intimacy.
"The house is a composition of simplistic forms," says Beck. "A separate zinc-clad blade wall on the northern side appears to float away from the main wall. We also provided exposed, honed blockwork, which has an honest, raw look that works with the architecture."
Maintaining key views through the house was another priority. The entrance, for example, is glazed to allow a view through to the pool in the central courtyard. And bifold doors open up the main living area to the terrace and view.
The owners say they wanted a contemporary beach house, with a sophisticated, yet simple, open-plan interior.
"It was important that the design would not date – we wanted it to look just as good in 30 years' time. We also wanted to incorporate natural materials, such as timber and marble, wherever possible."
Grey ironbark timber features in the living areas – on the floor and as a veneer for cantilevered, built-in cabinetry. The timber stair treads are also supported by grey ironbark battens.
The kitchen, which is elevated slightly to maximise the view, was designed to blend in with the living area. Appliances and stored items are largely concealed from view – a walk-in pantry is positioned immediately behind the cooking centre.
At the rear of the house, the walls pop out to articulate key design elements.
"In the gallery, the wall juts out to provide room for a day bed overlooking the pool," says Beck. "The design helps ensure the gallery is a little less like a bowling alley."

Architect : Adam Beck, BDA Architecture (Broadbeach, Queensland)

Builder : Denis Beck Constructions

Cabinetry manufacturer : Projects Queensland

Cladding : Zinc; painted pine shiplap; painted render

Roofing : Colorbond Zincalume from BlueScope Steel

Flooring : Grey ironbark timber from Notaras J & Sons; terrazzo tile in entry and pool area

Paint : Resene

Doors and windows : G James

Lighting : Raylink Lighting; Inlight Lighting

Splashback : Calacatta marble

Kitchen joinery : Two-pack paint finish; grey ironbark timber from Briggs Veneers

Benchtops : Essa Stone supplied by Laminex Group

Kitchen sink : Oxygene from Abey Tapware

Kitchen tapware : Zip from Clive Anthony

Oven, microwave oven, steam oven, cooktop and rangehood : Miele

Dishwasher : Fisher & Paykel

Refrigeration : Liebherr

Pool : BDA, Surfside Pools

Gas fire box : Real Flame