Located in the coastal town of Balnarring, Victoria, the Seascape House was built by Atlas Architects for a clients seeking an environmentally efficient, low-maintenance home that fit their lifestyle as a couple welcoming intermittent visits from their adult children.
Atlas Architects worked the client’s wishes into a three-bedroom home with high ceilings and punchy brick walls that become a contemporary and timeless element to the charming interiors. Wood furnishings and cabinetry contribute to the dwelling’s warm and hearty character.
The layout of the black corrugated steel and timber-clad home relishes in its relationship with the surrounding landscape and outdoor spaces. Three volumes encircle a central courtyard, bookended by front and rear gardens that offer room for diverse activities.
The courtyard plays a dual role connecting the interior spaces to the outdoors and aiding in the heating and cooling of the different wings, earning Seascape House a 7.2 star energy rating for its passive solar qualities and natural ventilation.
To balance the home’s exposure to its leafy surroundings, the studio used native vegetation and raised garden areas to shield the building from street view, providing its dwellers with a welcome level of privacy.
Headed by Aaron Neighbour and Ton Vu, Altas Architects is an Australian practice dedicated to delivering architectural projects that are creative, innovative and environmentally sustainable. Visit their website and Instagram.
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Photography © Tess Kelly for Atlas Architects