A new family home in Ocean Grove, Victoria, showcases a unique approach to coastal architecture, using a robust palette of concrete, limestone, copper, and hardwood. Designed by the Australian firm Splinter Society, the residence was specifically engineered to endure the region's harsh, salt-laden winds while providing panoramic ocean views.
The project, known as Coastal House, was developed for a local builder and occupies an elevated plot set back from the beach. The design carefully balances exposure to the southern sea views with the need for sheltered, private living spaces, resulting in a structure that is both bold and sensitive to its natural environment.
Key Takeaways
- A new residential project in Ocean Grove, Victoria, named Coastal House, has been completed by Splinter Society architects.
- The home is constructed with materials like concrete, limestone, patinated copper, and hardwood, chosen for their ability to age well in a coastal climate.
- The design strategically balances south-facing ocean views with protected, north-facing family spaces and a central courtyard.
- A key feature is a rough limestone wall that divides interior spaces and extends to the exterior facade.
A Design Forged by the Elements
The primary challenge for the architects was creating a home that could embrace its stunning location without succumbing to the demanding coastal weather. The solution involved a thoughtful layout on a narrow, deep plot, prioritizing both views and protection.
The home's upper level, a cantilevering concrete volume, houses the main living areas. It features a full-height glass facade recessed within a deep, chamfered opening, which frames the expansive sea views to the south. This design choice not only provides a visual connection to the ocean but also offers a degree of shelter to the interior spaces.
According to Splinter Society director Chris Stanley, the project was a direct response to its context. The goal was to balance the impressive southerly views while creating warm, north-facing areas for family life.
"Of equal importance was creating a warm, natural palette that would age beautifully in this harsh coastal environment," Stanley explained.
Strategic Layout and Material Selection
To shield the private quarters from salty sea winds, the design incorporates a bedroom block on the eastern side of the property. This section is clad in vertical hardwood timber and distinctive patinated copper panels, materials selected for their durability and aesthetic appeal over time. This block also shelters a central courtyard on the home's western edge.
The Importance of Material Longevity
In coastal construction, material selection is critical. Salt spray, high winds, and intense sun can rapidly degrade conventional building materials. The use of concrete, natural stone like limestone, resilient hardwoods, and metals like copper, which develops a protective patina, ensures the structure's integrity and appearance for decades with minimal maintenance.
This central courtyard, featuring a swimming pool and timber terrace, acts as a private, sun-filled sanctuary, protected from the prevailing winds. A glazed corridor connects the living spaces to the bedrooms, offering constant views of this sheltered outdoor area.
An Interior of Natural Textures
Inside, the material palette continues the theme of natural durability. A prominent feature is a rough limestone wall that separates the living and dining areas. This wall is not confined to the interior; it projects through the glass facade to become an external pilaster, visually linking the indoor and outdoor spaces.
The client, a local builder with a passion for natural materials, collaborated closely on the project. Stanley noted the client's deep understanding of the local environment and his enthusiasm for sourcing and milling his own timbers.
Project at a Glance
- Location: Ocean Grove, Victoria, Australia
- Architect: Splinter Society
- Key Materials: Concrete, Limestone, Patinated Copper, Hardwood
- Primary Goal: Durability against coastal weather
- Unique Feature: Central courtyard for wind protection
The street-facing entrance is deliberately understated. Set into the lower level, which is clad in hardwood, the entryway leads past a garage and storage areas up to the main living floor. This design creates a sense of privacy and gradual reveal, with the home's simple form intended to be recessive within its dry climate landscape.
Balancing Privacy and Openness
The layout was meticulously planned to maximize privacy where it was most needed. The main bedroom and a separate rumpus room are situated at the rear of the property, offering the highest level of seclusion.
These rooms are positioned to overlook both the central courtyard and an additional strip of planting to the north, creating a tranquil and private retreat within the home. This dual-aspect view allows residents to enjoy both the sheltered internal landscape and the broader natural surroundings.
The overall effect is a home that feels both expansive and intimate. The large glass walls facing the ocean create a sense of openness, while the protected courtyard and carefully placed private rooms provide a feeling of security and comfort. The design successfully navigates the challenge of creating a family home that is both a lookout and a sanctuary.
A Collaborative Vision
The success of the Coastal House is a testament to the strong collaboration between the architect and the client. The client's expertise as a builder and his knowledge of the local environment were invaluable to the project's execution.
"Our client has a love of natural materials and a passion for purchasing auction timbers and milling them himself. With a strong local knowledge, he also understands the wind-driven salt environment and was keen to collaborate," said Stanley.
This partnership allowed for a design that is not only architecturally striking but also deeply practical and suited to its specific location. The resulting structure is a minimalist yet powerful statement, designed to become more integrated with its landscape as its materials weather and mature over time.