Honouring the verdant landscape it resides within, Herbst Architects’ Dune House features a main house and two smaller structures utilised for temporary accommodation.
Dune House is defined by its facade, clad in timber battens and rigidly cut roof. The bottom of the screen’s curved shape contrasts the top and emulates the dunes surrounding the dwelling.
The three volumes are connected by a series of boardwalks which levitate above natural plantations in an effort to not disrupt the site. Building regulations required the building be setback 200 metres from the high-water mark in order to prevent flooding, but formed a challenge for the practice due to the rise and fall of the dunes. The building was placed on stilts with the surrounding land re-contoured in order to maintain views of both the landscape and ocean.
The interior finishes sees timber make another appearance, this time more refined and polished and utilised for flooring, cabinetry, joinery and the ceiling. Stone and glass accompany the material and provide contrast and elegance to the spaces.
