Sat amongst the rise and fall of the Bilgola Beach sand dunes on Sydney’s northern beaches, Olson Kundig’s design of Bilgola Beach House is responsive and resilient of the climactic curveballs thrown by the coastal location.
Spanning 873 sqm, occupants are led to the home via a pathway defined by palm trees and Norfolk Pines. Once passed through the front door, views of the topography and beach beyond come into eyeshot, with the entertainment spaces and guest wings located in close proximity to the front door.
The dwelling is set on concrete piles, which allows for sand and water to move underneath the building without disruption. The elevation of the home mitigates issues of flooding, with shaded retractable window walls providing ventilation and the ability to either connect or disconnect with the surroundings depending on the residents’ preference.
The internal spaces centre around a central courtyard, created to maximise light in the core spaces. A central water feature passively cools summer air.
The board-formed concrete walls mimic the hues of the sand, further strengthening the connection between dwelling and headland. Timber and brick feature heavily throughout the interior, allowing for natural light to alter the look and feel of the spaces.
