Project: Torquay Beach House
Architects: Luke Fry Architecture & Interior Design
Location: Torquay, Australia
Project size: 340 m2
Completion date 2019
Photographer: Damien Kook
Luke Fry Architecture and Interior Design completed this new contemporary home which celebrates raw concrete and exposed brick, then layered with Japanese charred timber battens. It subtly references to Palm Springs mid-century modernism and contemporary pavilion structures, challenging the idea of a coastal home.
The Torquay Beach House has large floor to ceiling glass doors opening out onto cantilevered concrete decks which take in the views. A brand-new home for a retiring couple which makes to most of the 180-degree uninterrupted views across nearby wetlands and sand dunes. Raw concrete floors, natural stone benches and light oak joinery adorn the interiors to creature a soft, neutral interior.
Who are the clients and what’s interesting about them?
The home owners are a retired couple originally from Melbourne who have relocated to Torquay, where they had a holiday house for many years (not this house). They are in their early 60’s with 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren who all live in Melbourne. They have a black Labradoodle named Bella.
What building methods were used?
Material selection is always important in our work. We focus on honest and proven materials to produce an edited palette, creating a refined simplicity which is then layered in texture. Masculine neutral tones were part of the client brief which we pushed to the next level. We keep it very simple, concrete, brick, stone, timber, steel, glass. It will look as good to 100 years as it does today.
What are the sustainability features?
The orientation of the house maximises solar gain and protects from cold prevailing winds. High levels of insulation and high quality materials means the house performs very well and will stand the test of time.
What was the brief?
The initial brief was for a low maintenance house, zoned living spaces and the use of exposed concrete (a love of the clients and mine!). Its designed in a way which makes the ground floor their daily living space while the first floor is a separate zone when family/guests come to stay. The owners purchased vacant land so we had a blank canvas.
How is the project unique?
It redefines what a ‘beach house’ can be, in its aesthetics, function and context.
The site context is a defining element of the project. Its located within a golf club housing estate but at the end of a cul de sac. The result is a north/east facing site which, once inside, means complete privacy. You cannot see another building at all, all while being completely protected from the south/west prevailing winds. As with all of our work, it is highly detailed and utilizes quality proven materials.
