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Nestled between neighboring homes, Shorebird by Those Architects defies its suburban Sydney setting. This beachside dwelling maximizes light, air, and privacy through thoughtfully designed architectural interventions. Surrounded by buildings yet open to the elements, Shorebird offers an innovative approach to residential design.
Harmonizing with Nature
Offering uninterrupted vistas of Bate Bay, Shorebird seamlessly integrates with its surroundings by embracing nature. Co-founder and director Ben Mitchell explains, “The location set the stage for the architecture. The site already had the ingredients for something special.”
Vertical Design for Spatial Efficiency
Due to spatial limitations, the home was designed vertically rather than horizontally. Co-founder and director Simon Addinall notes, “The first move was to ‘pinch’ the long sides of the house to subtly vary the internal space and create room for verdant gardens.” This vertical design maximizes natural light and ventilation, ensuring that each level of the home benefits from the surrounding environment.
Creating a Light-Filled Courtyard
Those Architects carved out a north-facing courtyard exposed to the sky, creating a striking void that floods the interior with natural light. “This void provides a focal point, separating the main and secondary living spaces,” says Mitchell. The ground floor blends seamlessly with the seascape, featuring coastal tones, lush pocket gardens, and glass doors that dissolve boundaries between the interior and exterior. This design mirrors the natural sloping topography, integrating steps that follow the site’s contours.
Balancing Openness and Privacy
While emphasizing a strong connection to the outdoors, the architects diligently preserved privacy. They minimized openings on the street-facing facade while maximizing them on the beach-facing facade. “There’s a clear distinction between the western and eastern ends of the house,” says Addinall. Recessed openings for a children’s playroom and upper-level bedroom, combined with limited windows on the western facade, effectively shield from direct sunlight. In contrast, the courtyard boasts extensive glazing on all sides, fostering natural light and integrating with the lush garden. Strategically placed smaller openings on the sides encourage cross-ventilation and increase sunlight penetration.
Durable Materials Reflecting the Shoreline
The material palette was chosen not only for its durability but also as a homage to the shoreline. “As a location exposed to ocean winds and heavy salt, it was important to prioritize robust options,” notes Mitchell. Smoothly finished sandstone blocks grace the vertical surfaces, complemented by exposed horizontal concrete touches for contrast. Anodized aluminium frames adorn the doors and windows, while limestone flooring and rough-rendered landscape walls add to the textural diversity. Inside, layers of warmth are provided by blackbutt timber, marble accents, and soft linens.
Shorebird by Those Architects is a masterclass in blending innovative design with natural elements. By prioritizing light, air, and privacy, the architects have created a home that not only defies its suburban setting but also harmonizes with its stunning beachside location. The thoughtful use of materials and strategic spatial planning ensure that Shorebird is both a functional and beautiful dwelling, perfectly suited to its unique environment.
