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There were also issues of
ocean winds, cooler climate
and bushfire. The design
solution had to address these
by being protective and
durable and at the same time
open and connected to
the environment.
KERRY CLARE, ARCHITECT
What is it about the South Coast house that
presented the biggest challenge and the greatest
reward?
KC It's a unique and beautiful site. Placing the
various spaces so that every room had a special
connection to the site and beyond was the main
challenge. There were also issues of ocean winds,
cooler climate and bushfire. The design solution had
to address these by being protective and durable
and at the same time open and connected to the
environment.
LC Another aspect of the conceptual thinking
about the house was seeing it as a beach house,
rather than a house at the beach. There is a
fundamental difference in terms of the way you
approach the design of the beach house. It's a bit
more robust or less precious idea, about how you
occupy and use a house. The living patterns are also
different in a beach house and we discussed these
ideas with our clients.
Isn’t it an attitude about more gregarious, social
spaces?
KC It's a house where people come together in
relaxation mode, more than rising and heading to
work. It’s about extended family, family events, the
Christmases, etc. The house has to be able to
expand and contract, but always feel comfortable
whether it has two or twelve occupants.