Dune House

Three pavilions linked by a glass enclosed walkway cantilever dramatically out from a sand dune towards the sea.

Sheltered courtyards & large sliding doors encourage outdoor living. A generous kitchen serves as the hub of the house demonstrating the clients’ desire to make the cultivation, preparation & eating of food a central part of the experience.

The pavilions are orientated to maximise exposure to winter sun, with cross ventilation providing summer cooling. Raw concrete floors act as a heat sink in winter with double glazing throughout aiding heat retention. No mechanical cooling is provided and supplementary heating is rarely used from a small combustion heater that can also be used for cooking.

In this unique coastal dune environment the owners are committed to rehabilitating the vegetation, removing pest plants and limiting access to overcome years of miss use and neglect.

There are no services to the site, rainwater is collected for reuse, power is generated and waste water is treated on site.

Robust durable materials & simple details add to the casual mood.

The openness of the pavilion concept promotes the feeling of being part of a unique untouched coastal environment.

Year Completed

2014

Photography

Sam Noonan

Awards

AIA Commendation [Residential Architecture]