Beach houses: a private oasis from city life. Beach houses are unique in that they can be many different types of residences. For the lucky few, beach houses will be their primary residence. For some, a beach house is a secondary permanent holiday home. Beach houses are often also investment properties which people can rent for certain periods of time, over Airbnb or similar sites. The one thing that unites all beach houses around the globe: they cost a pretty penny.
Beach houses are among the most expensive types of real estate in the world. This is mostly due to the luxury that proximity to the beach brings – and especially the undeniable value of ocean views – but also the opulent design of Australian beach house architecture. Australian beach houses are leading the world in a variety of aspects. Crucially, the architecture of Australian beach houses works seamlessly with the natural landscape to create a harmony of form, beauty and function.
Typically, beach houses are stylistically informed by the natural and neutral inclinations of Hamptons and other coastal interior designs. A traditionally styled beach house will be a soft white, often toned with light blues and sea greens. The architecture of these Australian beach houses usually takes after the Queenslander style with ornate vintage detailing, wrap-around verandas and steps. However, recent design evolution has seen a movement towards more brutalist architecture, with Australian designers coming to favour the harsh beauty of raw materials like concrete contrasted against the raw natural landscape.
These new-age beach houses embrace contemporary design materials and styles. Rather than trying the blend seamlessly into the natural world, they jut out harshly against the skyline. This ferocity actually works in their favour, as the energy of an unapologetic, industrial concrete house matches the jagged beauty of the natural world. Particularly popular in harsh environments such as cliff faces and near rough seas, this new style of beach house is redefining what luxury living looks like in modern Australia.
There is one single thing that all beach houses undeniably have in common: a commitment to the view. Almost every beach house in existence will have huge windows and probably even a glass wall or two to capitalize on the view of the ocean.
This is so that residents can enjoy the landscape from the comfort of their own home, without needing to worry about temperature or rain. Seeing the beach every day – regardless of the weather – is a luxury that very few people can claim, and much of beach home architecture is dedicated to making the most of this opportunity.
Beach houses as such are usually bright, open, and full of natural light. Often the living room will take up a larger role in the home as it is where the homeowner and guests are most likely to spend time – and therefore the view is best appreciated from this area. Australian architects have applied this philosophy to beach houses in some of the most creative ways around the globe. Here are just a few of many examples, with pictures to support.
Beach house designs and coastal homes, re-imagined: Exteriors, house plans and renovations that lay the foundation for the best beach houses Australia
5. Yondah beach house, South Australia
This award winning private beach residence in South Australia stands proudly among 150 acres of oceanfront land. Located in the hidden gem of the Yorke Peninsula, this home was designed by globally recognised architectural practice Robb Mils architecture and interiors.
This home was twice named ‘Best Deluxe Accommodation in Australia’ by the QANTAS Australian Tourism awards, as well as winning the same category in South Australia four times. Only a three hour drive from Adelaide, this simple and elegant coastal home provides access to private beaches teeming with wildlife and the untouched beauty of the South Australian coast. This is a holiday property and you can read more about booking a stay in the Yondah beach house here.
4. Tannum sands house, Queensland
Tannum house by Sarah Waller Architecture presents a modern twist on a classic beach house favourite. With the typical glass walls and huge windows, this home makes the most of its small town setting by keeping the interior as open as possible.
The interior décor such as in the bathroom blends perfectly with the outdoor colours and material schemes, with natural woods and neutral colours warming a cool costal interior wash. here
3. Alinghi beach house, Queensland
Alinghi beach house was designed by award winning architect James Grose, who used elements of passive design to harness the natural landscape for alternatives to artificial heating and cooling methods.
Clad in Arctic cedar, the house appears to blend into the natural landscape of the surrounding silver-barked trees. As the timber fades in the sunlight over time, this effect will become even more pronounced – perhaps one day this home will be nearly indistinguishable from its natural surroundings.
2. Golden beach house, Queensland
The golden beach house is a classic example of a Queensland beach house, from the whitewashed timber to the wrap around veranda. This home has breathtaking views of the Queensland coastline and is said to bathe in the Queensland sun during the afternoon light.
1. Clifftop house, South Coast NSW
This incredible house on the Great Ocean Road overlooks the stunning Victorian coastline. Designed by world-renowned architecture firm Woods Bagot, the design of this home places huge emphasis on visual paths and the creation of an inventive space through industrial materials.
Perfectly suited to the dramatic cliff-face setting, this home reflects the wild strength of the ocean beneath it. This house is truly a testament to the untapped potential of the Australian landscape and how this potential can be harnessed by Australia’s emerging architects.
