MORNINGTON BEACH HOUSE - 2020

Advanced Diploma of Building Design - Design Sustainable Buildings - First Year

Concept Design for Mr & Mrs Smith and Family

The Brief

The design is to suit everyday living for the Smith Family; Kyle and Clare, Natalie (12), Bobby (15) and pet labrador. Natalie has played the piano since she was 8 and loves to study and keep on top of her school work. Bobby is mad for anything basketball; his sneaker collection is larger than the rest of the families, combined. Kyle and Clare love the outdoors and can’t wait to make the move down to Mornington to spend more time relaxing at the beach and doing outdoor activities with the kids.

The clients wish to have a main bed with ensuite and WIR, at least 2 more bedrooms plus study, family bathroom and separate WC, laundry wth storage and double carport or garage. They would also like to preserve the existing Japanese maple and utilise views to the sea.

The Proposed Concept

The proposed design sits snugly in the hillside with a garage semi submerged in the hill. From street level, the dwelling subtly blends with nature utilising native grasses and plants throughout the front yard and green roof. Pale rammed earth walls hint at the views to be found upon entering the home. The main floor at street level is designed to suit the owners well into retirement with Main bedroom, Study and living spaces all having views to the sea. An open stairway and large lightwell void connect the upper family level with the kids space below while also providing natural light and ventilation. An outdoor shower with direct access to the laundry and main bathroom ensures the house remains sand free.

A large paved outdoor area makes the perfect space to watch the waves roll in when it’s not being utilised as a basketball court. The Japanese Maple has not only been preserved but now provides a focal point and summer shade for the courtyard and North East facing windows. To the West, the thick rammed earth wall shelters the home from the hot afternoon sun while passively heating the home during the night.

“Anita, you’ve really produced a design and submission to be proud of! I couldn’t be happier with your beach house submission, it’s so exciting to see such talent from a first-year designer, I can’t wait to see what you come up with next year!”

– Jennifer McNish