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When the owners purchased this humble beach shack in Rye, it was largely untouched – and that was the very reason they fell for it.
Its simple floorplan, modest scale and unmistakable mid-century character became the foundation of their brief to architects Pleysier Perkins. Rather than reimagining the shack as something new, the ambition was to retain its informality, while adapting it for permanent coastal living.
‘The house was largely untouched, which was central to the clients’ decision to purchase it,’ says Pleysier Perkins’ architect and associate Georgina Oakley. ‘They fell in love with its original mid-century charm, which ultimately became the hero note of the entire brief.’
Originally conceived as a holiday house, the project soon shifted toward a full-time residence – a sea change that required additional amenity, and a more generous floorplan. The challenge lay in expanding the home without diluting its character.
The clients were clear that the extension should not read as a contemporary add-on, but as a natural continuation of the existing dwelling. This goal shaped every design decision.
The front of the house remains largely intact, preserving its masonite ceilings, white-painted timber windows, original hardwood floors and the dappled light that filters through the surrounding garden. These elements anchor the home in its past, allowing the new architectural additions to unfold quietly behind.
At the rear, a portion of the back wall was removed and the roofline subtly straightened to accommodate an extension that opens toward a private courtyard and pool. The transition between old and new is deliberately subtle, with the outdoor space acting as a mediator between the original shack and the expanded living areas beyond.
The extension extends on the mid-century character of the original house. Expansive windows, exposed rafters and solid timber detailing echo the language of the 1960s structure, while earthy colour blocking and natural materials reinforce its mid-century roots.
The coastal context of the home played an equally influential role in its reimagining. Surrounded by dense vegetation, the house is oriented to maximise natural light, while remaining sheltered from sometimes harsh coastal conditions. North-facing windows frame views and draw daylight deep into the home, while new living spaces wrap around the courtyard, strengthening the connection between indoors and out.
Material choices also respond directly to the setting. Sustainably sourced timber cladding sits alongside concrete floors incorporating locally sourced granite, complemented by crazy-paved slate. Accents of olive green and terracotta punctuate the palette, adding warmth and a classic 1960s feel.
The finished home is rich in both character and texture. ‘The clients often mention that visitors can’t help but touch the walls and surfaces,’ Georgina says – a response that speaks to the sensory quality of the spaces and the care taken in their making.
More broadly, this home stands as a reminder of the value embedded in Australia’s mid-century housing stock. Rather than defaulting to demolition, Pleysier Perkins’ approach shows how working with what already exists can produce homes that are not only functional for contemporary life, but are also sustainable, and beautiful in their simplicity.
Projects like this don’t just extend the life of one home – they reinforce the character of entire neighbourhoods. This modest yet aspirational outcome proves that sometimes the most progressive architectural move is simply to listen carefully to what’s already there.
