Cart 
Purchasing a property in a mixed-use zone created a huge opportunity for these Sunshine Coast homeowners.
The property featured an existing house (already operating as a commercial business) at the front, but with plenty of space for a new residence at the rear.
‘It was possible to build a secondary dwelling on the back of the lot and have dual access and parking for the business as well as private residence,’ says Matt Kennedy, director of Arcke, who designed the home.
This new house could have been quite large, yet Arcke and the clients opted for a compact 75-square-metre internal plan to allow for more generous external built areas such as a carport, storage, and walk ways.
‘Our clients wanted to enjoy their garden, have space for possibly a tent and parking for a camper,’ says Matt. ‘They were also keen for the spaces to be modest and easy for them to enjoy when just the two of them, but have beds (bunks) for overnighters and easy outdoor space for entertaining,’
This smaller footprint also fit in with the client’s desire to have the holiday house feel ‘like living outdoors, but protected from the elements.’
‘The best of both worlds – like glamping,’ explains Matt.
The project was conceptualised and subsequently nicknamed ‘Morphing House’ due to its ability to be opened up and closed down as required.
‘This is not just for privacy, as the slatted screens also provide a shady overhang to the northern elevation when required, without the need for an additional deck or structure,’ says Matt.
Robust materials were selected for the beachside home, including slatted screens fabricated from relatively lightweight thermally modified timber battens. Adding plywood joinery to the interiors and cooling green tiles, set against crisp white surfaces, ostensibly brings the natural world indoors, while zincalume and pale concrete complement the simplicity of stainless steel fixtures and fittings.
‘The copper outdoor showers won’t corrode and the showers keep the sand at bay when returning surf boards from the beach,’ says Matt.
Last but not least, the home’s pitched roof and clerestory window level are reminiscent of the 1950s and ‘60s era buildings dotted around the coast.
Matt designed the project with sustainability in mind, specifying all-electric appliances, solar panels, and water tanks.
The clients are thrilled with the outcome, stating, ‘We couldn’t be more satisfied with this beautiful, small, but mighty design. The use of natural light, breezes and materials creates an informal yet aesthetically pleasing home which is a pleasure to be in as well as to look at.
‘The perfect marriage of form and function.’
