Darkinjung people
NSW Regional
This beachfront residence reimagines coastal living by transforming an outdated weekender into a serene, functional retreat. Designed for a couple entering retirement, the vision was to create a deeply personal home that enhances the Australian experience of sand, surf and family. The architecture prioritises intimacy, adaptability and environmental responsiveness, guided by values of simplicity, openness and connection.
Two distinct wings embrace a central courtyard, forming a social hub that blurs the boundary between private and public realms. This openness contributes to the streetscape, offering visual connections from street to sea. Inspired by surrounding dunes and native vegetation, terraces and rooftop gardens extend the interior outward, allowing the building to sit gently within its coastal context.
Sustainability is central, with passive solar design, cross-ventilation, water reuse and efficient material selection. Collaboration across disciplines achieved a holistic, cost-effective outcome: a site-specific home that is both personal and community-minded.
The Dune House perfectly suits our lifestyle. Often it’s just the two of us, and the beachfront pavilion provides everything we need. When entertaining family and friends, the street-side pavilion serves as a guest house and extra living space, offering both privacy and connection through the central courtyard. We move through the spaces depending on the weather and time of day, always finding sun-filled spots or sheltered areas protected from the sea breeze. The design effortlessly balances intimacy for daily living with flexibility for hosting, creating a seamless connection between indoor, outdoor, and social spaces.