The MLS Home by Planned Living Architects translates the best of a beach shack (family vibes, outdoor spaces, ‘all are welcome’ motto) into an expansive and refined coastal property.
The primary brief to the architects was to replace the family’s beach shack with a larger space that could accommodate all of the guests they wished to invite to stay. Architect Jay Earles explains ‘entertaining large groups was a major factor of the brief, with the owners often having 20-30 guests for dinner, and wanting to permanently accommodate a five-and-a-half-metre long custom dining table and a similarly large island bench for this reason.’ In many homes, the kitchen is the heart of the home – but here, it is the dining table.
The welcoming ethos extends from dinner parties, to kids slumber parties! The clients also wanted the ability to accommodate ‘and sometimes separate’ – their young family, and provide for their friends also, creating a downstairs kids zone consisting of a large bunk room for 10+ people, tv space and pool table. This epic rumpus room extends into the outdoor activity space, with pool, tennis court and trampoline.
While vast, the home maintains a warm and welcoming energy, through the thoughtful palette of locally sourced limestone and warm timber, and the clever framing of panoramic views. The limestone connects with the geological history of the area; Jay highlights how the ‘wild sand dunes of Ocean Beach and Moonah woodland’ inspired the architecture. While the availability of local limestone presented initial challenges, resourceful call-outs across the area to industry contacts found a ‘secretly held stash’ that allowed the architects to resolve their vision for the build.
The strong linear lines and robust forms of the home are designed to direct movement through the space, and orient visitors and residents towards the stunning views. This beachside property is designed to be shared, and Jay enthuses ‘it radiates a sense of warmth and welcoming.’
