The blue-green glass and white tiled exteriors of Sunshine Beach House mimic the pulsing whitewash and crystal swells on the seaside property’s doorstep.
PopovBass bred the buoyant beachside masterpiece, named Sunshine Coast House of the Year at the 2019 AIA Queensland Architecture Awards — Sunshine Coast Regional. The urban beach house boasts the best of both worlds — wildly modern with a deep connection to the tide beyond.
The house sits on the dunes overlooking the rolling surf, begging as both an inspiration and a challenge for onlookers. White sand and bright sunlight are at the property’s core with the smell, taste and sound of the ocean filling the home, offering a delight to the senses.
An all-encompassing roof protects all that lies beneath, guarding occupants against a myriad of menacing subtropical Queensland weather conditions from scorching summers to torrential rainfall, and glaring morning sunlight. The residence’s shell creates a double storey enclosure encircling the curvilinear staple elements of the home. The timber and blue staircase streams from above, weaving through the centre of the living space like a current set on its destination. From the voluminous living quarters, the eye stretches east as far as the horizon, an unlimiting view made possible by sliding bifold glass and an infinity edge terrace.
Voids between the interior elements create both internal and external spaces that can be occupied in a variety of ways. The double height living room is an extension of the outdoors, filled with light and overlooking the beach. The upper level bedrooms contrast this focal point. Darker toned and private, these spaces provide a retreat from the brightness of the location. They are a place to rest the eyes as well as the body. This upper level features a dark colour tone externally as well, which is intended to make the house recede into the natural vegetation, respecting the views of both the neighbours and of passers-by on the beach.
Breezeblocks filter and soften sunlight throughout the home, crafting a sheltered atmosphere within, without disrupting views to the surf. Consequently, the house catches cooling breezes, but has protected outdoor areas to which to retreat at night or in blustery weather. A covered courtyard between the living and family rooms serves this purpose, while an upper level outdoor living area provides additional protected space and an opportunity for seclusion from the main living areas.
PopovBass credits Calty Constructions for its tireless efforts in bringing the project to life, utilising stone, timber and blue to soothe and restore balance. At the rear of the home, the kitchen gazes at the vista, hinting at endless possibility. Tawny tones warm the space by way of features and furnishings, forming a landscape inside the home that mirrors the personality outdoors.
The unstructured character of the landscape of the locality is enhanced by local species of pandanus, banksia and dunal plants. These gardens will eventually grow around the home, stretching from the dune through the house to the road’s edge, deliberately blurring the line between architecture and landscape.
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