Characterised by a modern mediterranean lifestyle, Ocean Side Villa is built for a social lifestyle, reflected in a series of courtyards that support large family gatherings or individual moments of respite and serenity.
The home is designed as a series of self-contained pods along a terraced slope across the site. These self-contained pods ensure the occupants have their own personal space, while allowing for cross-generational family living with adult children and grandparents for extended visits.
The built forms sit harmoniously in scale with the existing neighbourhood, while the staggered massing and street side planter beds add street amenity. The architectural language of adjacent homes and ocean influence the Villa’s material selections, with the materiality of the home built to withstand the coastal climate. The number of courtyards with varying degrees of exposure to the elements gives its occupants an opportunity to utilise the outdoor areas irrespective of weather conditions.
Craig Steere’s clients desired visually aesthetic interior spaces that invited habitation. The windows that provide outlooks towards the ocean have deep recesses to encourage sitting or placement of cherished objects. The rear guest pod enjoys framed outlooks towards the garden or courtyard spaces, ensuring it possesses a deep connection to landscape. The Villa takes every opportunity to connect visually with its broader coastal context, as well as internally between the different living pods. Finally, a sculptural, off-white polished concrete staircase leads to the upper floor for elevated ocean views.
The structural engineering of the home is responsible for much of the house’s views to the ocean. This engineering was also key in the detailing slender overhangs that cantilever and protect the courtyards. The landscape consultant also enhanced courtyard spaces with appropriate coastal side plant species.
The home is designed with passive solar principles of shade, cross ventilation and north winter solar light access. In addition, the Villa's durable materials require minimal maintenance. Finally, a hydronic heating and cooling floor slab system, in conjunction with an energy efficient lighting design, and energy wise appliances minimise electrical demand.
Ocean Side Villa aims to support an outdoor lifestyle through a number of courtyards and connections to the beach that lies within its sightlines. Craig Seere Architects have created a home that aims to give its occupants the opportunity to connect with their family members, guests and most importantly themselves, in a dwelling comprising a number of pods.
