Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi)
Queensland
Sunshine Coast
Lyrebird is a beach house designed to accommodate the needs of a growing family and their beloved dogs.
The house harmoniously integrates with its natural surroundings, respecting the site’s contours and establishing a balanced relationship with the garden at ground level. Two slender east-facing pavilions are connected by a courtyard bridge, enhancing airflow and creating sheltered courtyard spaces to the north and south. All primary spaces benefit from floor-to-ceiling glazing, providing ample access to natural light and airflow, whilst capturing expansive views of open beaches and gardens on upper and lower ground floors respectively.
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels were used for wall and roof elements, enabling rapid construction within three days. In addition to the reduced construction time, this prefabricated system minimised waste and contributed to carbon sequestration. The materiality is notably robust and tactile, capable of enduring the demands of both the coastal environment and growing family alike.
” Life’s busy, and although we don’t get to the beach nearly as much as I would like, we have the ocean as our backdrop in every main room of the house. This coupled with the vast amount of timber inside brings a sense of calm.
The open light filled spaces bring life to our children and their very playful imaginations, from scooting throughout the balcony and living area to racing cars on the smooth concrete floors.
Our ensuite access with floor to ceiling sliding doors opens up for easy access post swim followed by baths with nature. Functional and luxurious”.
Dan Sparks, Design Architect
Alex Kean, Graduate of Architecture
Nick Jorgensen, Graduate of Architecture
Westera Partners Engineers, Structural Engineer
Westera Partners Engineers, Civil Consultant
Conlon Group, Landscape Consultant
Xlam Australia, Engineer
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
