SHEARWATER
HOUSE
Location
Shearwater, Tasmania
Client
Private
Year
2018
Images
Anjie Blair
Land of
parnillerpanner
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IPD Consulting
Brierley Consulting Engineers
Simon Cunningham
Shearwater
House
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 Devenport, 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 façade also references the alternating tones of the native vegetation, the sand, and the mature gums skirting the property. Throughout the interior, an array of natural timbers finishes creates a sense of connection between the space and the outside.
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.
A constant conversation
Several important elements of the design resulted from our close collaboration with Shearwater’s owners. This considered approach, which flows onto the landscape design, reflects the intent of the house to be part of the community’s oceanside narrative rather than dominating it.
A calm two-storey home at the end of a cul-de-sac, overlooking the pristine beaches of Tasmania’s northern coast.
Nestled behind the sand dunes in a seaside town east of Devenport, 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.
Location
Shearwater, Tasmania
Client
Private
Year
2018
Images
Anjie Blair
Land of
parnillerpanner
Add a Title
Add a Title
Add a Title
+
IPD Consulting
Brierley Consulting Engineers
Simon Cunningham
Connected to place
Purposefully set back from the cul-de-sac, 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 façade also references the alternating tones of the native vegetation, the sand, and the mature gums skirting the property. Throughout the interior, an array of native timbers creates a sense of connection between the space and the outside.
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.
A constant conversation
Several important elements of the design resulted from our close collaboration with Shearwater’s owners. This considered approach, which flows onto the landscape design, reflects the intent of the house to be part of the community’s oceanside narrative rather than dominating it.