Perched on a unique site in northern New South Wales, the Headland House is designed as a viewing platform which captures and frames the unique views of the Yuraygir Coastline. A short walk from one of Australia’s most iconic surfing breaks, the project is a radical reinvention of an existing two-story brick home. 

Designed as a flexible home for a growing family to use as both a residence and holiday home, all the spaces are interconnected yet separate, to accommodate multi-generational use. A series of major structural interventions open the existing structure to the North. Incorporating double height glazing and a large void space to connect two levels which were once completely separate. 

A cantilevered roof form to the rear ties in to the old structure, blending the thresholds and capturing the distant Yuraygir ridgeline to the south. Sliding timber screens shelter from the western sun, while allowing the occupants to open their space to the view. 

Due to its location on the headland and exposure to the elements, the home experiences a wide range of conditions from light sea breezes to howling southerly winds. The house is designed to completely open from either side, allowing residents to occupy the north or south depending on the weather and time of day. 

Contextual local finishes include board and batten FC cladding, spotted gum, and blackened timber – as a reference to the bushfires that scarred the national park during construction. Materials are purposefully raw, with a minimal interior palate of concrete and natural timber forming a backdrop to the surrounding landscape.

Project Team:

Architect: Relik Architecture Office
Builder: Rob Young Constructions
Engineer: Structures QLD & Structerre Northern Rivers
Landscape Design: Fig Landscape
Images: Adam Baillie 

Suppliers:
FC Cladding: James Hardie
Timber Cladding: Hurfords
Stone & Tiling: Amber Tiles
Window Hoods: Heka Hoods
Bathroom Hardware: Wood Melbourne
Pendant Lights: Rodwell and Astor
Fireplace: Oblica