1115 Sandstone Beach House banner

...A timeless family home guided by principles of natural light, ventilation and well considered functionality.

A fresh new face

The Sandstone Beach House is an architect designed family home. Principles of natural light, ventilation and well considered functionality guided the renovation of an existing cottage. Located in Cottesloe, the existing single storey cottage abutted a mirrored residence. The owners of both properties wished to carry out significant external and internal renovations to upgrade the darkly lit brick cottages into a pair of timeless homes characterised by distinctive sandstone portals. The renovations took care to maintain the pairing through architectural character. The two homes' massing were designed to complement each other and add to the streetscape of the neighbourhood.

A contemporary palette

Located within 200 metres from South Cottesloe beach, the Sandstone Beach House uses materials that reflect a relaxed, coastal lifestyle. Significantly increased wall and window openings better connect the inside to the outside and maximise natural light and ventilation. Durable aluminium window and doors replaced old small timber french doors which did not seal well and required ongoing maintenance. Perforated aluminium mesh  gates and sliding doors give the home security, privacy and establish a contemporary architectural language. The screens also allow for cross ventilation, keeping the home feeling breezy and comfortable. A uniform material palette provided the home with a timeless, visual aesthetic. Natural sandstone and limestone tiles feature on the exterior and interior of the home. These materials reference the site’s coastal surrounds.

Renovating to a constrained budget

Where budget constraints may not allow for building a new home, renovations are a way of significantly improving your existing home. This supports the values of re-use and sustainability. Gutting the existing cottage and modifying the layouts was an effective way to meet budget and attain a contemporary lifestyle. In the original home design, there was a distinct lack of north winter sunlight and ventilation which left the home feeling cold and dark. The renovation addresses this through an architectural expression of a portal form, angled to draw the natural light and north winter sun deeper into the interiors.

Renovation works gutted and reconfigured the home internally. Gardens and courtyards were cleared and externally reconfigured. Separate zones were provided for a family of four. The main kitchen hub extends outwards to a private courtyard. This combined BBQ and outdoor living area is a comfortable alfresco area to spend time outside. A brilliant blue plunge pool surrounded by a backdrop of frangipani trees lies to the south of the courtyard. The garage gained an additional third enclosed car bay by reducing a once oversized drying court. The new garage now offers future empty nesters storage for a boat, caravan, gym, study, home office or craft room.

Craig Steere Architects
Western Australia
1115 Sandstone Beach House
1115 Sandstone Beach House
1115 Sandstone Beach House
1115 Sandstone Beach House
1115 Sandstone Beach House
1115 Sandstone Beach House
1115 Sandstone Beach House

Professionals used in
1115 Sandstone Beach House

About the
Professional

Craig Steere Architects is an award winning practice designing luxury family homes for Metropolitan Perth and the South-West region of Australia, including Margaret River. 

The practice is comprised of a small professional team offering a personalised architecture and interior design service. Craig Steere has collective experience in a wide variety of architectural disciplines, obtained since graduating in 1985.

Our Vision.

Craig Steere Architects is committed to design excellence. Our enthusiasm, creativity and attention to detail, together with a priority to listen, provide the catalyst for successful and high quality, world class and award winning solutions.

Our value statement.

  • Empathy – we believe in listening to and understanding our clients' needs
  • Reliable – you can rely on our service to respond responsibly to your requirements
  • Efficient – we strive to be efficient at all times in every aspect of our service
  • Creative/innovative/original, but practical & functional – our service aims to respond to our clients' requirements in a creative, innovative and original way, whilst also being practical and functional
  • Integrity – we believe in being ethical together with being socially and environmentally conscious of our clients, architecture and society in general. We provide an honest and trustworthy service
  • Teamwork – we believe in supporting our staff through listening and training and encourage active involvement and contribution to help uphold our values

Philosophy.

Craig Steere Architects is committed to design excellence and a high standard of professional service. Each project is approached with an enthusiastic and specialised response in order to achieve the desires of each individual ‘client brief’. Our creative designs are not restricted to satisfying just the client brief, but are always conscious of the surrounding social and environmental impact.

The Practice.

Craig Steere Architects was established in 1994 and is located in Shenton Park, in Perth’s prestigious Western suburbs. Craig Steere Architects projects are frequently nominated for the Australian Institute of Architects design awards. Works are regularly published in magazines, journals and hardcopy books, nationally and worldwide. Craig Steere Architects is an A+ member of the Australian Institute of Architects and is registered with the Architects Board of Western Australia, striving to provide a high standard of professional service at all times.

At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.