This wooden deck features two round wicker chairs with white cushions, overlooking a lush green landscape and the ocean. Above the deck, a white ceiling includes a unique circular cutout lined with vertical wooden slats.
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Shearwater House

Shearwater, Tasmania 2018

A calm two-storey home along an esplanade, overlooking the pristine beaches of Tasmania’s northern coast.

Nestled behind the sand dunes in a seaside town east of Devonport, Shearwater House’s timber exterior tells the story of a long-standing beach shack, present in the community since the very beginning. Our approach was to design a comfortable home that would reflect the familiar coastal lifestyle, subtle in its unique features and with minimal impact on its sensitive surroundings.

Connected to place.

Purposefully set back from the esplanade, the design’s subdued palette and selected materials allow the house to settle into the rhythm of the built landscape. Drawing inspiration from the humble beach shack, Shearwater’s pre-weathered facade also references the alternating tones of the native vegetation, sand and mature gums skirting the property. Throughout the interior, an array of natural timber finishes creates a sense of connection between the space and the outside.

This modern entryway features a tall wooden door and a matching dark wood ceiling. Adjacent to the door, a large glass window reveals a white chair and an interior staircase, with a woven pendant light hanging above.

Mirrored lines.

The playful curves of the white brick base, which are mirrored in the roofline above, contrast and soften the home’s overall linear form. The lightweight wooden design of the second storey is complemented by the open living area and floor-to-ceiling windows to the north and east. The considered height gives the kitchen, master bedroom and compact deck sweeping views towards the adjacent Narawntapu National Park coastline.

This modern balcony features a unique circular architectural cutout lined with vertical wooden planks. Below it, a wooden deck with a metal railing holds wicker lounge chairs.
This modern kitchen features warm wood cabinetry and a large island with a white countertop and grey barstools. Full-height glass doors open onto a wooden deck, where a wicker lounge chair overlooks the surrounding greenery.
This modern home features a long lap pool set into a wooden deck and bordered by a white brick wall. The building above uses vertical wooden cladding and large glass windows, with a covered balcony overlooking the water. Two round wicker chairs with white cushions sit on a wooden balcony under a large square cutout in the ceiling. The balcony is surrounded by a metal railing and vertical wood paneling.
This modern, rectangular home is clad in vertical wood siding and features large floor-to-ceiling glass windows. It sits partially hidden by dense green shrubs and trees.