An Existing seaside property made up of a small cottage and adjacent studio formerly operating as a gallery space, restored and renovated to become a large multigenerational family home.

The seperate existing built forms had a natural, almost traditional beachside aesthetic and were built from simple yet functional materials. The task was to unify these two elements to create a synchronicity across the whole property. 

The inclusion of a new entrance pavilion and boundary fence creates spectacle at the entrance to the home and shields the inner sanctuary of the house from view.  The front gate of the new pavilion defines the home from the street and opens up onto a covered verandah that links the gallery to the cottage. 

Western red cedar weatherboard cladding used on both original buildings was reused on the new entrance pavilion to unify the existing elements with the new. The cladding was stripped back and painted a softened dark colour and paired with a lightened interior to amplify the relaxed, holiday feel of the home. 

Deep decks with wide, thick boards and oversized verandah posts created more bulk at the base of the existing structures, alleviating the top-heavy nature of the existing forms. The central verandah of the home provides a central spine for the home and distributes the occupant towards lush landscape across the site and beyond.

Builder: Ian Westlake

Photographer: Luc Remond

Year of Completion: 2012

Project Lead: Paul Connor, Dominique Brammah