South Australia
Aussie culture has always been bound to allure of the coast. Sunny days lathered in coconut-scented lotions. Sun blushed skin becomes tanned over the longer days. Rising early to hit the surf before the wind picks up. Salty hair, sandy feet and sinking cold Coronas with friends while the kids run amok.
Welcome to Sunkissed Higgins: A home for 80’s Babies who skipped the big smoke to live the coastal dream.
Yiew!
The John Schenk Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
An eye-catching addition to the Fleurieu (flew-rio) surf coast, Sunkissed Higgins is a striking beach shack with a heart of gold. Resisting the obvious move to demolish the existing humble residence, RADS have cleverly provided new living spaces that nestle harmoniously around the retained home.
A skate-ramp edged driveway leads you inside, signposting the whimsy at the core of this home. A succulent-dotted courtyard provides a focal point to the entry, while the sunken, sun-drenched, crazy-paved living room and the functional open kitchen bookend each side and anchor each wing. The humble bedroom proportions are enriched with clever timber joinery and unmatched views of ocean and sky.
The changing nature of the outside landscape is an ever-present protagonist in this home, whether in the delightful detailing of the ensuite portal window to gauge weather and surf, or the bold move of the ombre pink tones of the façade that merge perfectly, every now and then, with the sunset.
A masterclass in parsimonious design, Sunkissed Higgins is bold, beautiful and – due to its generosity to its neighbours, community and neighbourhood – sure to be beloved long into the future.
Commendation for Sustainable Architecture
Nestled on the foreshore of Middleton, Sunkissed-Higgins embodies the essence of its seaside locale. The project’s environmental impact was minimised by opting to renovate, not demolish, the original house. Newly formed spaces deliver a building footprint reflecting only what the family needs to function. Passive design principles ensure occupant comfort, and a battery system has covered the family’s energy needs during heatwaves.
Our homes’ design speaks to and reflects the nature surrounding us, the ocean and parks. We wake seeing the ocean from almost every room and its orientation & aspects from a design perspective ensure a light, bright and playful space integrating outside and in. The kitchen, dine and living spaces flow beautifully together between decking and lawns in the front and back which enhance our lifestyle and overall wellbeing as a young family. Being in our home (whether entertaining, playing, relaxing, cooking, bathing or skating) is truly such a gift.
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.
