An ordinary house on a compelling site demanded a radical response. Located on the NSW Central Coast, this beach house was well loved, but in need of upgrading. The brief was to make it a more dynamic family home, altering it sufficiently to connect more with the ocean views, and cater to crowds of up to 16 for holidays.

The house spans three levels to navigate its steep site. We retained the existing floor plates but dissected the restrictive hexagonal plan, creating a deliberate sense of arrival, more logical circulation and a more considered connection to place and the outdoors. Concertina glass doors now open the living space completely to a sun-drenched deck with sweeping panorama of coast and bush.

We created a new master suite, adding an ensuite, study and bedroom, all oriented to the views. For the children’s rooms, we thought of the plan as if it were a campsite. Three kids’ rooms are designed around custom bunk beds, each with a built-in bookshelf and nautical window, and sliding cavity doors to connect or partition the rooms as needed.