South Australia
Six dwellings located along the Aldinga Esplanade have stepped frontages, like birds in flight, each house is given their own identity.
The entrance is reminiscent of an underside of a jetty with exposed beams overhead, connecting the rear yard to the beach, where surfboards and towels can patiently wait until the next ocean visit.
Insertion of an internal courtyard brings ample light into the center of the dwelling. The skillion roof invites morning light over the kitchen, at its lowest point serves to shield the living areas from the afternoon sun. The combination of high-level windows and horizon views establishes a connection to both the sea and sky.
Material selections are humble. Exposed rafters unify internal and external spaces. The activities of the homes sit between robust concrete blockwork, offering a sense of permanence and protection.
Mesa encourages relaxation, where the sea breeze flows through and sandy footprints are welcomed.
Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
An update on the traditional Terrace House, Mesa demonstrates generosity to its owners and the public realm. By creating rear access to each home, the presentation to the Aldinga Esplanade utilises integrated landscaping to celebrate its connection to the beachside locale. The building’s plan-form mimics a flock of birds, allowing each terrace a level of external focus and privacy.
A robust but welcoming material palette and considered detailing that prioritises “first fix” finishing, compliments the logical plan. The simple level change between the “jetty” and the bedrooms on the ground floor creates an ambiguous, sheltered space that could be inside or out.
Generous in size, Mesa does not overwhelm. Thoughtful consideration of volume delivers generously scaled rooms, counterpointed by compression and coziness where appropriate.
The result is a delightful series of spaces connected to their location and an exemplar for terrace housing in a coastal environment.
Our new beach house has exceeded all our expectations from the design to the memories that have come with it.
This home has proven to be very practical and low maintenance. We love to spontaneously drop in overnight or call it a base for weeks on end. The space has really bought our teenage family closer together with its ability to be both a relaxation sanctuary to an entertaining space.
We love how the beach seamlessly flows through the home and the sun penetrates the right times of the day, complementing the raw materials and finishes.
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.
