Optimum outlooks – including for the neighbours

Designed by Dane Design Australia

From the designer:

Design brief

The owner’s brief was for a new beachside holiday home over three storeys for private family / extended family use, with capacity for future potential holiday rentals. 

The sloped site is on Yallingup hill, with the front (street) elevation orientated west and great ocean views to the north & west. 

The site is also in a high fire risk location.

Some of the primary points that the owners considered to be highly important in the design were the use of natural light, textured and rustic materials and passive thermal design to naturally condition spaces.

Design solution

One of the first challenges with this project was to arrange the vertical use of the building, with three levels required to gain & maintain views and deal with the site fall as well as accommodate the spaces in the brief. 

Key considerations included access for day-to-day use; protection from the western sun and prevailing winds; privacy & overlooking; and the choice of materials that would be durable enough to withstand the harsh coastal conditions and meet high fire rating requirements. 

The design was to be mindful of overshadowing and to have minimal negative impact to neighbouring view corridors.

Sustainability

The design solution for this project has a raft of aspects which reduce energy use and contribute to a more sustainable product. 

Passive solar design principles within the home achieve good cross ventilation and winter solar access. 

The internal temperature is stabilised throughout the year, complemented by tiled concrete floors.

Plus, the specified durable materials require minimal maintenance while addressing the site’s high fire risk. 

The home design incorporates several features that respond to Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) principles.

These include energy-efficient lighting and appliances; high performance, double glazed thermal glazing; and water efficient water fixtures and fittings.

Outcome

The house is composed of strong, horizontal lines and interlocking forms postured above natural stone walls – visually evoking stability and bringing the building closer to the earth. 

The home capitalises on enviable views of the Southwest coastline with open-plan kitchen and living areas that diffuse into the large front deck, perfect for watching the sun go down over the Indian Ocean. 

An external palette of pre-aged ironbark timber cladding and natural stone provide a beautiful, warm, and rustic aesthetic while also being durable and low maintenance. 

A veil of matching timber battens runs along the northern elevation, acting as a second skin and providing protection from harsh coastal elements while maintaining views towards the ocean. 

High level windows and double height ceilings draw natural light deeper into internal spaces, giving an expansive, light and airy feel. 

The home features a moody internal palette of rich timber tones, dark textured stone and playful curves.

The family home incorporates three storeys with the ground level accommodating a self-contained guest suite, wine cellar and laundry. 

The main entry at mid-level draws you into the open-plan kitchen, dining and sunken living areas that open to the front deck and primary outlooks towards the ocean. 

This level also accommodates secondary bedrooms for children, a library nook and sheltered courtyard to enjoy added privacy and protection from prevailing coastal winds. 

A feature staircase with floating timber treads takes you to the upper level, consisting of the parent’s retreat, ensuite, dressing room and guest room. 

This level continues to address the site, with outlooks strategically framed, and apertures that invite quality sun and breeze.

The resulting home optimises function, flexibility and elegance – perfect for family gatherings, entertaining and watching the sun go down over the Indian Ocean.

Designed by: Dane Design Australia

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Ange Wall