Coolum Bays Beach House

Fauna Terrace, Coolum Beach, Australia

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Coolum Bays Beach House

Fauna Terrace, Coolum Beach, Australia

Firm

Aboda Design Group

Type

Residential › Private House

YEAR

2013

1. Satisfaction of
the Brief
As former owner of the adjoining property, the clients imperative was to
accommodate a family with the three children nearing or at adulthood, which
took advantage of the amazing potential for white water views from the Coolum
Bays all the way to Noosa Heads. The challenge was to accommodate a maximum 1:4
compliant driveway from Fauna Terrace above, which tucked under the home to
accommodate three cars (without requiring excavation of rock), with half-level
accommodation above, that remained inside the Maroochy Plans 2000 steep land
(>20%) planning envelope. Added to the dramatic fall from west to east was
another, more gently crossfall from north to south, which also influenced the
massing of the building as it spread across the site.
Early exploration of the geotechnical composition of the site, combined
with a longitudinal section through the length of the driveway, determined the
lower floor volumes. From there, minimum clearance heights of the Garage were
determined. Simultaneously, the minimum projection eastwards, to maximise
uninterrupted views to Noosa Heads, was determined by erecting a scaffold on
the site, again combined by utilising the 3D modelling capability to determine
the maximum allowable 10M planning envelope.
Once the site constraints were fully understood, and the building form
was developed to accommodate the four ensuited bedrooms, two living areas +
media room, kitchen, dining, laundry, home office, two powder rooms, workshop,
pool and rainwater tank, the scheme was lodged for Relaxation approval for
minor intrusion into the steep land side setback profile peculiar to the
Maroochy Plan. Once approved, without condition, the scheme was finalised.
From the outset, the client (Builder) confirmed that the preferred floor
construction method was suspended concrete, with the planning explored to
achieve the best of this material, including large spans and cantilevers.
Similarly, the desire to project the roof over the Pool and Deck could only be
realised in structural steel, which achieves a dramatic plane which letterboxes
the vistas as an horizontal aperture completely filled with views of the ocean.
The client also requested a durable, low maintenance home, that would
handle the extreme weather events that can occur in this location. As a result
of its projection from the hillside, the wind and rain can be torrential,
however through clever planning to locate the Family Room at the south east end
of the building, it provides a buffer and a comfortable outdoor space on the
Deck that remains relatively protected from even the worst conditions. As the
building is many metres above ground level at its eastern end, accessible hoods
are provided to the eastern and southern elevations for maintenance access.
A number of photographic images of contemporary Modernist architecture
were shown by the client/ Builder, which provided inspiration into external
form, texture and materiality, all realised in the final exterior outcome (off
form concrete, white Master Ensuite aperture/ box, timber battens &
floating steppers.
As an informal family, the intent was to have a home that would ensure
that everyone remained connected to one another, whilst also achieving distinct
public and private spaces. Predominantly, this was achieved by stepping the
building down the site, so that spaces cascade as half levels. The only full
flight is to the private Master Bedroom suite located on the Upper Floor.
Again through clever planning and the integration of operable and fixed
sun control devices (batten screens, vertical blades, natural vegetation), the
home enjoys wonderful privacy from the street and neighbours, all without
requiring boundary fencing.
Being a Design and Construct project in tandem with the Builder and his
wife, there was an incredibly high level of design and construction
collaboration. With its location in Coolum Beach, a short distance from the
office, the site was attended an average of three times per week for the 75 week
duration of the project, with all decisions relating to the building, interior,
landscape, details and decoration made between both parties, to the delight of
all involved.
2. Design for
climate
Whilst the site was covered by re-growth, it was imperative that as much
of the vegetation be retained as possible, and all vegetation to the east of
the house was retained. A number of existing trees at the front of the house
were also retained and then complimented with predominantly hardy natives. The
nature of the site (slope >20%) necessitated a masonry foundation solution,
but due to early geotechnical inspection to ascertain locations of rock, this
was achieved with almost no requirement for major excavation and no hammer
drilling of rock.
The site falls from the street at the west down towards the Bays at the
east. Living spaces are arranged along this axis, all with access to northern
light. A consequence of the steepness of the site was that the only compliant
Driveway location would be to locate it along the northern boundary, but car
parking is tucked beneath the house to maximise the northern exposure. Living
spaces are arranged around the Pool, which brings the benefits of cooling
breezes and dappled light.
All three Ensuites are arranged to the west of the house, to act as a
thermal buffer between the hot afternoon sun and the main Living and Bedroom
spaces. Windows are kept to a minimum on this elevation and in the case of the
Master suite are covered with a feature sun control batten screen over the fully
operable louvres. Whilst the front entry is a frameless glass door, it is
covered and screened with an highly efficient Makrolon poycarbonate awning
roof; during occupation this door is typically left open to draw breezes from
east to west.
On the southern elevation, glazing is again used sparingly to achieve
vistas to trees and the Bays, and draw cool breezes through the house.
On the northern elevation, shading devices range from operable vertical
blades to the Living, timber batten screens to the Study and Master Bedroom and
a large, projecting cantilevered roof over the Pool and Deck.
Glazing is generally highly operable stacking sliding doors or louvres
and incorporate low-e glass. Fixed glass is used in locations heavily exposed
to gales.
As a result of the management of solar gain through arrangement and
shading of the spaces, the only air conditioning installed is a single cost
effective and efficient unit to service the Study and Master Bedroom. Maximum
specification Aircell insulation is installed to all walls, floor and roofs,
including the Deck with ceiling fans installed throughout. Thermal mass is
provided in the form of suspended concrete floor slabs and off form concrete
feature walls.
Heating is provided via a single combustion wood fireplace located in the
Family Room. Radiant heat from this location will also heat the Dining, Kitchen
and Living spaces.
3. Sustainable
Design
As previously noted, the existing vegetation was retained to the east of
the home, which was located at the western (high) end of the site as close as
possible to Fauna Terrace. The only fence is a blockwork wall along the
northern boundary required to retain the compliant gradient driveway, wildlife
is otherwise allowed to traverse the site.
No hammer drilling of rock was required because of the exploratory work
conducted on the site prior to the commencement of the design which then
responded to these known challenges; this greatly improved the construction
timeframe and reduced irritation to neighbours.
The materials sourced were a combination of concrete and steel for
structural strength and durability, both readily available and recyclable, and
locally sourced pine framing generally, with hardwood used for exposed timber
elements. Wall finishes were Rockcote polymer render or James Hardie
lightweight fc cladding. Glazing and the feature entry awning are lightweight
aluminium. Western red cedar was selected for the battens due to its hardiness.
As it is expected that this house
will be retained for many decades, robustness, durability and quality were
selected over materials with perhaps a more short term sustainable outcome.
A 3kW photovoltaic system is installed with heat pumps installed to heat
water. A 14kL rainwater tank is located under the swimming pool to service the
building, top up the pool and for irrigation. Appliances are high
specification, refer previous regarding air conditioning and heating. All
plumbing fittings achieve mandatory water efficiency requirements.
Trees removed for the construction were all cut up and stored for future
use in the wood burning combustion fireplace. Vegetation removed for
construction was all mulched and distributed across the bottom half of the
site. Soil moved for the construction was stockpiled on site and reutilized on
site and there was no requirement for importation of fill. The formply required
for the off form concrete was reused
multiple times, including as formwork for non-visible (structural) concrete,
wall bracing and as framing for elements including the built-in furniture.
4. Exterior
Aesthetics
The home is defined by clearly articulated shapes, the rectangular white
Master Ensuite box, flanked by the raking off form concrete Ground Floor
Ensuites, in a symmetrical composition, capped by the feature polycarbonate
awning. Contrast is achieved between the lightness of the upper elements and
frameless glass entry door, counterpointed by the heaviness and solidity of the
concrete boxes, feature tiled external walls and landscape gabions.
To the northern elevation, the composition is more dynamic, projecting
from the hillside out towards the Bays, the cantilever achieved with a
combination of up and down-turned rendered concrete beams and concealed steel
members hidden in the deck and roofs. Again, lightness is achieved with the
large format glazing, including sashless windows, completely frameless Skyglass
balustrading, the square cutouts in the deck roof and the weightless appearance
of the pool, many metres above natural ground level.
The home connects to Fauna Terrace, the Bays and to Noosa Heads. At the
street end, a steep slope has been tamed with the introduction of large format
off form concrete ‘steppers’ and the conscious decision not to fence the site.
Separation, as is the case internally, is achieved via levels rather than
physical barriers. At the eastern end, the projection of the Living spaces,
particularly the Family Room with picture window focuses the connection to Pt
Perry and First Bay. From the bench seating, views are captured across the Deck
and Pool all the way up the coast to Sunshine Beach.
The aesthetic appeal, whist unconventional, has garnered admirers both
locally, who believe it captures a refined and elegant beach lifestyle without
being derivative of past methods of creating the typical ‘beach house’, and
internationally, demonstrated by the overwhelming request to feature the house
in magazines, books and online (see rear of submission).
5. Interior Design
All spaces except
the Upper Floor Master Suite, which is a full storey above the Ground Floor to
achieve the best of the views, are connected by half-levels, to maintain a
connectivity through the house. Furnishings are a combination of contemporary
freestanding pieces (eg. Living room suite) and built in elements (external bench
seat, internal Family banquettes, Master Bedroom day bed, all designed in
house). Views of the Bays are achieved from the front entry right through the
house and all but one Bedroom enjoy water views. Wherever possible, spaces
remain open plan (Master Ensuite) to maximise the openess and sense of space.
The tones and textures of the materials (timber, stone, carpet, tile) are
accentuated over ‘feature’ colours, with highlights added in the soft
furnishings and fabrics. The form of the interior cabinetry reflects in
Calacutta marble and timber the white box featured on the street elevation (in
white render and western red cedar).
The Kitchen, whilst
not large by many standards, is an efficient space and effectively conceals
work activities from the Living space and also combines a small scullery to the
side. A generous Laundry is provided with direct access to a discreetly
screened external Drying Court. A large Workshop is provided adjoining the
Garage, for the storage of the client’s tools and equipment.
The fitted lighting
is almost all LED and wherever possible concealed in troughers and planes, so
that the washing, indirect effect trumps the fitting as a single element. The
two Ensuites contained within the off form concrete, continue the same rugged materiality
internally, softened with crisp fittings, mirror and floor tile. These spaces
are naturally illuminate with the feature skylight sliced through the
concrete.
6. Construction
Detail and Innovation
The project
utilised construction methods not common in residential projects including off
form concrete (inside and out, using Xypex chrystalline waterproofing to the
concrete), structural aluminium awnings, custom sun control blades, gabion
retaining walls and structural steel concrete to achieve dramatic floor and
roof cantilevers. More conventional construction methods (timber floor, wall
and roof framing) were applied, where most cost effective.
Materials were
selected for their durability and relative low maintenance, including painted
cladding, rendered masonry, Colorbond steel, powder coated and anodised
aluminium and stained hardwood and western red cedar.
Detailing took into
consideration the often formidable driving wind and rain to provide weather
protection (particularly to the south east) to exclude draft and water.