A long, narrow, steep block looking north over Loutit Bay towards Airey’s Inlet in Victoria was a major challenge for the builder and draftsman as the site was heavily treed and crane access impossible.

The answer, creating a design that complemented the awkward site while being sympathetic to laws governing the protection of trees and other vegetation, was solved to result in a sleek, contemporary ‘Beach House’ that maximises the inherent qualities of the site, soaks up the prevailing views and blends seamlessly with the coastal environment.

A steel frame was used in this application and erected manually under very trying circumstances. The exterior finishes combine rendered surfaces, Shadowclad Texture (previously known as Ecoply Texture 2000), rockface blockwork and timber slat screening in a blend of natural finishes. The open plan design includes private areas off each bedroom, and an interior fitout designed for the trappings of beachside living, that is, a tiled lower level combining entry and shower - a convenient solution after beach bathing and ample storage facilities. The orientation of the main living areas to the north allows natural sunlight in winter to warm the crisp white interior and extensive external decking provides outdoor living and entertaining, heightening the sense of the outside entering into the realm of the home.

The Wood-Mans Specialised Timber Coating System from Australian Forest Products was applied to the rough sawn plywood. Based on the awkwardness of the site, it was important that future maintenance is kept to an absolute minimum. The flexibility of the Wood-Mans coating means it will not crack and peel over time, a must when working with rough sawn plywood as it not possible to sand back in later years when re-application is necessary.

A generous coat of Wood-Mans Prime-All was used to seal the edges and cut edges of the plywood, followed by two coats of the colour system - Wood-Mans Cladcoat, which was tinted Teak, a colour chosen from the Wood-Mans colour palette. The semi-transparent nature of the coating provided colour without taking away the grain and texture of the plywood and the rich Teak colour blended well with the surrounding environment.

Source: Building Products News.

Architecture & Design Team

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Australian Forest Products

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