Sundrift

Amidst the towering developments of Somerton Park’s Esplanade, Sundrift stands out—a single-storey house perched atop a sand dune, inviting connection rather than imposing presence.

The external form is intentionally simple- clean crisp lines wrapping around the corner block. A cantilevered terrace floats above the coastal garden; a house touching lightly on a seemingly undisturbed dune.

While street engagement is welcomed, layers of filtration provide privacy when desired. External venetians and internal blinds can be controlled to maintain the view while blocking on lookers as well as providing relief from the western sun.

The house wraps about an internal courtyard; a contrasting lush private sanctuary which provides a counterpoint to the windswept exterior.

Access to the house is from the side street with a study, two bedrooms and bathrooms at this ground level.

A gentle ramp, designed for future-proof liveability, leads to the elevated living pavilion. This subtle rise shields the street bustle when seated in the lounge, creating the sensation of sitting directly on the waterfront.

The upper pavilion houses the master bedroom suite, with a classic framed view of the ocean, and a generous kitchen and living area.

North facing windows maximise natural sunlight while the external venetians control the western sun. A vast array of solar panels and hydronic heating and cooling in the concrete floors work efficiently to ensure our clients rarely need mechanical conditioning.

External pre-cast concrete and fibre cement are robust to weather the sometimes extreme coastal elements.

In an otherwise minimalist house, bright colours reflect the whimsy of beach days-yellow on the external eaves and pink and orange walls in the courtyard.

It is the norm in a prime location like this to fill a site to the absolute brink- basement parking and maximum levels towering above the beach. But this typology disconnects from that quintessential Aussie beach joy and the dream of stepping from your living area directly to the beach. It is perhaps for this reason that Sundrift has resonated so deeply with the public as reflected in the frequent stops by pedestrians and many letters of appreciation our clients have received.

This house wasn’t built as a maximalist development, but a restrained forever home for our clients and their simple wish for connection- to the location, changing seasons, nature and the beach, and in doing so it has enlivened the streetscape for more than just our clients to enjoy.

Year Completed

2025

Plant Design

David Baptiste

Photography

Sam Noonan

Built

Ikon Projects