Owner-architect Shaun Lockyer was inspired to build upon the Donovan Hill-designed beach house in North Stradbroke Island, Queensland to introduce outdoor living spaces that could be used throughout the year.
The Straddie Shack is a 135-square-metre home with four bedrooms arranged over two levels, and wrapped around an internal courtyard. The renovation project involved a small recalibration of the house to complete the internal courtyard space and add a rear deck opening onto the National Park and its native bushland.
In addition to incorporating a series of bespoke elements including timber screening devices, built-in seats, daybeds and interior decor, Lockyer chose SolarSpan insulated roof panels to cover the extended deck, making it liveable in all weather conditions, adding more useable floor space in this area, and creating the perfect Queensland beach-inspired indoor outdoor living space for the family.
The lightweight roofing panels were easy to install, important for the breezeway between pavilions, and consistent with the existing materials palette. Since Stradbroke Island is only accessible by barge, the ease of transport, lightweight panelling and simple installation delivered major advantages to the renovation.
"I love every aspect of the house, especially the way it deals with the seasons and copes with groups. It's such an inviting and relaxed place to be," Lockyer said.
Images by Maree Homer
