Backing onto a reserve, and with outstanding ocean views, the brief for this project was to design a single storey residence maximizing views, however, protected from the southeast coastal winds.
The design is based around a private open courtyard as the centre of the house and with direct ocean views through the living areas.
The house presents a very discrete approach towards the street, with low scale and seamless lines, combining a contrasting black charred façade surrounded with a white envelope and hardwood details.
Since the bedrooms are located closer to the street, the central courtyard is visible as you open the front door, creating an inviting focal point towards the back, where the living areas are located. The courtyard is purposely shifted towards the east side, providing great natural light into the house, counteracting the corridor feel into the living areas.
Both living areas and study are located on either side of the courtyard, with the living areas being on the ocean side with direct views out.
The house is recessed away from the east boundary to create a natural outdoor floor towards the yard, and to provide breathing space to the courtyard and enhance its open appeal.
From a mas volume point of view, the rear part of the building, designed with an off-centre ridge, hosting the living areas is a volume contrast to the discrete scale on the street side. Living areas within that part of the building enjoy a raked off-centre ceiling, mimicking the ridge above it.
Photography: The Palm Co
Alex Urena Design Studio is a Bulli (Illawarra) based Building Design Practice specialized primarily in custom designed and quality residential projects.
Director and lead designer, Alex Urena is originally from Peru, where he worked as an Architect between 2003 & 2010 in a range of residential and commercial projects.
After relocating to Australia in 2010, and achieving Accreditation as a Building Designer in 2013, the business was relaunched as Alex Urena Design Studio in Bulli, Illawarra region.
Our Studio offers personal attention to our client's lifestyle and needs as part of the design process in order to produce a unique custom residence for each family and context. With great attention to detail, our projects will provide a balance between the land and its surrounding with style and functionality.