New South Wales
The Shiplap House is located atop a headland ridge and is exposed to intense sunlight, a harsh saline environment and strong winds from the ocean. The character of the suburb has changed in recent years with exotic gardens and large masonry houses replacing the endemic coastal planting and weatherboard fisherman’s cottages of early European settlement.
The façade of the Shiplap House is clad with white painted timber boarding to reference the materiality of the traditional fishing cottages. The distinctive reverse veneer construction provides comfortable interior temperatures year round. The openings within the façade are carefully sited to maximise and frame dramatic views over the harbour while maintaining privacy between the closely sited neighbouring houses. Ventilation panels adjacent to each window provide natural cross ventilation of the spaces and sun shading awnings provide a playful pattern to the façade.
The house is set within a garden of endemic planting.
This is a very special house which has exceeded our expectations. We love that the layout of the home allows us to bond together as a family whilst also offering pockets to be a recluse for creativity. The minimalist layout and interior allows for interchangeable personalisation, especially in the children’s bedrooms which will change over time just like they will. Our home offers us serene modernity – a beautiful balancing act between expansive harbour views and privacy – and there are still plenty of walls and ledges to display our art, plants and personal belongings.
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.
