On an enviable site directly opposite the dunes of Peregian Beach on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia, the challenge for this project was to get high enough to capture the sea views over the dunes without exceeding the statutory height limits or blocking all of the neighbour’s views.
The finished building sits well below the maximum height allowed on the sloping block with the bulk of the building running back along the depth of the site, while the portion of the building across the width of the site sits on a minimum of structure to create an open terrace underneath.
This massing provides openness to the site and a breezeway to the properties behind. By tucking in to the back of the lot and pushing the ancillary garage, workshop, and media room into a basement level, the bulk of this large home was reduced with the living room wing providing an anchor to the seemingly light upper floor bedroom wing that floats across the width of the property and allows views and breezes to the neighbours.
The juxtaposition of the shapes means only a very small portion of the building appears as a full two levels. The ‘prow’ of the living room pushes forward as a single storey to conceal the garage doors back in the shadows below, while the garden roof of the living room makes the bedroom wing far back on the block appear to be almost on its own allotment.
Many coastal homes sacrifice passive solar principles in order to maximise their eastern ocean views, but this home actually orients the outdoor living to a large covered northern terrace whilst still maintaining the ocean views.
The bedrooms are all oriented towards the ocean and incorporate full height windows and doors, but these are protected by folding timber shutters at the edge of the balconies.
The home provides a multitude of different indoor and outdoor spaces to suit all seasons and a mix of family and private activities.
Project Details
Completion date – 2018
Project Team
Architecture
Sparks Architects
Dan Sparks founded Sparks Architects in 2007, having worked with renowned architect Gabriel Poole since graduating from the University of Queensland in 2001.
Sparks Architects believes buildings that seek a balance between the natural and built environments, through form, materiality, and integrated energy systems will also facilitate spaces that guide us, invigorate us, rest us, seduce us, and inspire us.
They have a passionate desire to design such buildings, buildings that contribute true quality to the life of the individual, the community and our world and imbue a deep reverence for time, place and the beauty of life.
Photography
Christopher Frederick Jones
Photo Gallery
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Design © 2020 Sparks Architects. All Rights Reserved. | Images © 2020 Christopher Frederick Jones. All Rights Reserved.
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