Project: Crescent Head House
Architecture: Madeleine Blanchfield Architects
Team: Madeleine Blanchfield, Ben Wollen
Location: Crescent Head, New South Wales, Australia
Year: 2018
Photo Credits: Robert Walsh
Crescent Head House, designed by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects, is a refined one-bedroom residence crafted for a couple seeking simplicity and elegance. This minimalist dwelling combines expansive interiors with thoughtful design, blending functionality and aesthetic finesse to create a peaceful coastal sanctuary.
Understated Street Presence with a Unique Structure
From the street, Crescent Head House appears as a modest, single-story weatherboard structure elevated on a stone base. However, this elevation shifts at the garden level, accommodating a separate three-bedroom guest apartment. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a skylit entry and glass-fronted door, blending privacy with a subtle street presence.
A Light-Filled, Open Interior
Inside, the home’s layout is open and fluid, with few boundaries between the bedroom, bathroom, and living spaces. Created specifically for a couple, the design omits traditional room divisions, resulting in a bright, airy space. Vaulted timber ceilings draw the eye upward, framing views of the ocean and mountains, connecting the residents to their landscape and adding a touch of natural elegance.
Responding to the Local Context
Crescent Head House sits on a hillside among homes with pitched roofs. Rather than mimicking this style, the architects inverted the pitch pattern, creating a flat roofline with an angled underside. Local planning changes recently allowed for greater height, so the architects designed the house to remain discreet while maximizing functionality. This design also anticipates future expansions in neighboring properties.
Natural Materials and a Sustainable Approach
The home features raw, natural materials, with minimal finishes emphasizing sustainability. Cross-ventilation, solar protection, and heat sinks contribute to the low-impact design. Raw concrete floors and timber finishes provide an authentic charm. In the lower guest apartment, polished concrete floors, hardwood doors, and solid timber accents blur the boundary with the outdoors.
Thoughtful Construction and Sustainability
The project’s success is rooted in simplicity and careful detailing. By collaborating with local builders, the architects ensured the use of sustainable practices and locally available materials, reducing waste during construction. Crescent Head House exemplifies how minimalist design creates luxury through functionality, craftsmanship, and respect for natural surroundings.
Crescent Head House by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects is more than just a residence; it merges architecture with the experience of living. Through thoughtful materials and seamless integration with the landscape, the home provides a serene retreat along Australia’s coastline.
