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Collection by Caroline Wallis

This Little Guy Bucks the Trend Toward Bigger Beach Houses

Smart spatial planning coupled with green design make for a home that is as elegant as it is practical.

Located in the beachside town of Somers in Australia, this 600-square-foot home by Open Studio stands out from the single-story crowd by hovering over the landscape. Imagined as something more permanent than just a weekend escape, it allows for flexible programming with an open-floor plan and room for guests on the lower level. The structure is designed to disrupt the surrounding landscape as little as possible. From locally sourced timber cladding to a rainwater infiltration system, the final design harmonizes with the natural elements.

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The facade uses sustainably harvested and local PEFC-certified Australian timber cladding. Not only does the material palette blend in with the surrounding landscape, but it also serves a practical purposes: it is resistant to brush fire and extreme weather.
The facade uses sustainably harvested and local PEFC-certified Australian timber cladding. Not only does the material palette blend in with the surrounding landscape, but it also serves a practical purposes: it is resistant to brush fire and extreme weather.
Floor-to-ceiling pivot doors and flushed skirting make the boxy space appear much higher and larger.
Floor-to-ceiling pivot doors and flushed skirting make the boxy space appear much higher and larger.
Located just off the dining room, the deck can effortlessly transform into extra entertainment space. Eames chairs surround the dining table over the dark Australian hardwood flooring. Reggiani Yori LED spotlights are installed overhead.
Located just off the dining room, the deck can effortlessly transform into extra entertainment space. Eames chairs surround the dining table over the dark Australian hardwood flooring. Reggiani Yori LED spotlights are installed overhead.
A defining green feature is the on-site stormwater infiltration system. The architect explains, “To comply with local regulations protecting the creek and beach, the house has an infiltration system that collects all the water from the roofs in the two large concrete rain-gardens, the stormwater is then filtered before soaking into the sandy soil.” The gutters channel rainwater from the roof down to an underground system.
A defining green feature is the on-site stormwater infiltration system. The architect explains, “To comply with local regulations protecting the creek and beach, the house has an infiltration system that collects all the water from the roofs in the two large concrete rain-gardens, the stormwater is then filtered before soaking into the sandy soil.” The gutters channel rainwater from the roof down to an underground system.
All windows are shaded by deep overhangs, minimizing solar heat gain. A pair of two north-facing guest rooms cantilever over the driveway and stay cool without sacrificing a view. An Il Guzzini pendant light adds an industrial touch to the white room.
All windows are shaded by deep overhangs, minimizing solar heat gain. A pair of two north-facing guest rooms cantilever over the driveway and stay cool without sacrificing a view. An Il Guzzini pendant light adds an industrial touch to the white room.
Elevating the home as opposed to excavating offers built-in protection against flooding from the riverbank.
Elevating the home as opposed to excavating offers built-in protection against flooding from the riverbank.