Wings on the breeze

This house takes flight with dedicated wings arranging living, sleeping and on-site business – a breezeway contributes to flowing functionality

Sizeable overhangs contribute to maintaining the home's interior

The central living zone is transparent with operable

Indoor living and outdoor living, separated by a

Looking from the kitchen down the living wing.

The front-of-house kitchen can be sectioned off from

Living area with corridor running along behind.

Breezeway with garden and skylight. - Wings on

Sheltered outdoor living comes with an outdoor fireplace.

The home accommodates a physio studio at the

Designed by David Wingate, Wingate Architects

From the architect:

Merimbula is located in the stunning Sapphire Coast, New South Wales.

Its aboriginal name references the two lakes of the Northern and Southern ends of this coastal town.

Positioned adjacent to the Bournda National Park, the site is approached down a ‘right of way’ from the main Sapphire Coast Road, heading north out of Merimbula.

Situated on cleared land in a bush hazard area it enjoys views out to Short Point and the Tasman Sea.

The entry to the house is elevated, leading to a north-facing courtyard with a calming garden feature, front door.

The initial planning of the house was based on an idea of a central northern living area connecting both east and west wings.

The east wing was to accommodate children's bedrooms, bathroom, guest toilet, lounge, and a separated physio studio.

The northern hub was to accommodate the kitchen, dining and main living area – providing a generous link to outdoor living throughout the year and a joint office for parents and children included in the main hub of the house.

The west wing was to accommodate the master bedroom/bathroom, laundry with large internal storage, with link to the internal garage, and an outside shower used all year long.

The private dwelling was designed to accommodate two businesses on site.

The physio studio situated on the east wing providing its own entrance for clients and patients, but also easily accessible for the homeowners through a breezeway connection between house and studio.

The main house was to remain very private from this studio, and subsequently the homeowners wanted this studio space to also be used for Airbnb or guest accommodation in the future if needed.

The other business on site needed its own shed space on the west boundary of the property, away from the main house and accessible to staff coming and going from the property retrieving tools and materials daily if required.

It was essential to the owner that there was no need for air conditioning within the house.

The design includes large overhangs for north facing glazing, controlling heat build-up, and effective cross-ventilation with specific window placements, including air damper, wood fires, and heavily insulated external cladding.

The house has been future-proofed for solar panels and battery storage.

Where available, materials and products were sourced locally, including a beautiful run of spotted gum for internal and external wall cladding.

The main floor is concrete with a natural cork overlay, which was essential for the owners, being soft underfoot.

The raised ceiling is hoop pine veneer plywood, which has also been used through bathroom and laundry joinery, complementing the spotted gum.

Overall, the finishes were calm and cohesive, giving a beautiful natural finish to the house within its surroundings.