Yuin
NSW
The Cake House is a local cultural icon named by local surfers. The aim of this project was to celebrate the original and prioritise resource efficiency, by re-using existing and recycled materials in order to re-life this beach home for the next generation. The project champions being both high craft and high performing, merging Passive House and passive design principles. The result is a home that can operate in a mixed mode strategy, is technically robust yet passively adaptive to the local environment. It operates as 100% electric and Net Zero energy use (-7,000kWh/yr back to the grid) with an onsite PV system. The Cake House has offered a unique opportunity to combine respectful resource utilisation, with operational efficiency in a well crafted manner.
Retaining the original compact structure was a bold and considered first move by both the client and the architect. Rather than expanding, the renovation preserves the home’s minimal footprint and distinctive form, honouring its place in the local memory and coastal landscape.
Despite its modest scale, the interior has been cleverly reimagined with adaptive furniture solutions, allowing the space to flexibly accommodate both a small family and larger gatherings.
The project involved a complete transformation, incorporating recycled materials and advanced building systems. Now meeting Passivhaus standards for summer performance, the home delivers exceptional energy efficiency and comfort—sparking a broader conversation around how Passivhaus principles can be adapted to the Australian climate.
We love the history and quirks of the original cake house and felt compelled to celebrate its uniqueness whilst creating a comfortable, low maintenance and relaxed beach house.
We love the natural breeze from the ocean. The way that the house has been designed so that it can be closed up in extreme weather and then opened up when the conditions suits allows us to have year round comfort.
The designs quality of feeling comfortable whilst sleeping our family of 5 and then its ability to adapt to sleeping 17 shows the creative modes integrated into the design.