Establishing habitation on this spectacular coastal escarpment has been guided by the nurturing qualities of permanence and refuge, as well as an inextricable link to the landscape, ocean and sky.
On approach from the access ‘track’ on the South and from the northern beach below, Springs Beach House is discretely nestled into the natural topography, single story in height, to ensure understated privacy and in reverence to the spectacular landscape setting.
Connection to the landscape and nature at Springs Beach House is intimate and direct, manifested through a material palette of concrete, timber and glass. Movement between pavilions is outdoors; connection to the land is paramount and the experience evokes memories of a riviera hillside village or a Japanese temple.
Like a timeless ruin, the courtyard sanctuary ‘anchors’ the house between the shade and refuge of the coastal forest and the light and prospect of the pristine stretch of coastline towards the headland at 1770.
Textured cast concrete provides monumental timeless qualities of being robust and earthbound; Australian hardwood timber evokes a natural warmth, whilst glass embues a transparent floating contrast.
Requirements of the functional brief are separated into distinct spatial zones and the feeling of pavilions, connected around the edges of the ‘village square’ courtyard, creates a loosely connected resort or village feel of a hillside lodge typology.
Engaging with existing topography, orientation, views and vegetation, the house balances economy and fine detailing. It celebrates economical finishes, directness, authenticity, natural, textured and unadorned surfaces, which are embroidered with highly crafted timber elements and pieces.
Surfaces, finishes and details exhibit authenticity and naturalness with the Japanese concept of ‘wabi sabi’ – the beauty of things imperfect, impermanent and incomplete, allowed to weather and evolve with time.
Sustainability starts with natural cooling and lighting, harnessing available breezes and winter sun, using locally sourced hardwood, plantation grown plywood lining, recycled Tallowood timber floors and decks and low maintenance, drought tolerant endemic landscape species.
Holiday experiences in a beautiful coastal landscape, set in an environment designed for contemporary luxury living in the subtropics will leave a lasting impression of a coastal ‘retreat’ completely at one with its place.
