FLUID SPACES

For some, a classic beach holiday involves four basics family, friends, food and fishing. However, modern lifestyles place more diverse demands on holiday homes, and subsequently, new designs have evolved to cater for many needs.

Sitting adjacent to a waterway canal and offering easy access to the open sea, this house is the result of a continuing collaboration between the architect, Lawrence Sumich, and the owner.

"The client had been holidaying in this area for 25 years, so he had a clear concept of the type of amenities that would best enhance a holiday lifestyle. Looking at the surroundings, we decided the site warranted a bold design," says Sumich.

The house's exterior is composed of two distinct structures. The design of the more substantial two-storey form, which houses accommodation, an office, garage, two bathrooms and an ensuite, is a modern interpretation of a traditional tin barn, says Sumich. There are no eaves, and guttering is hidden in the zinc-clad roof.

"Balancing this more dominant structure is the modern, lighter form a semi-transparent glazed pavilion that houses the main living area and kitchen, and allows easy interaction between interior and exterior."

The two forms are connected by a feature passageway that draws a visual line through the centre of the house and continues as a boardwalk down to the water's edge.

Repetition of a key motif in the form of grids of stained recycled ironbark visually connects the two structures.

"The slats and shutters tie everything together architecturally," says Sumich. "They give softness and texture against the concrete, provide a sense of security when viewed from the front, and also allow light to create interesting shapes on the walls."

The exterior's muted colour palette and use of natural materials extend throughout the interior of the house, with feature walls of concrete downstairs, and timber and glass doors throughout. Upstairs, large windows offering uninterrupted views are a feature of each bedroom.

Story by: Trendsideas