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Architects: Wilson Architects
- Year: 2012
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Photographs:Brent Hardcastle
Text description provided by the architects. The Sunshine Beach House (previously known as the Prell House) was designed by renowned architect Gabriel Poole in 1997. The Mediterranean and Mexican influenced design consisted of a series of living and sleeping spaces around a central courtyard on a steeply sloping site. The careful arrangement of the spaces protected from the prevailing sea breezes, and opened the house up to the Northern aspect while maintaining privacy.
In many ways, the design was idiosyncratic. The new owners wanted more living space and all-weather connections between the sleeping quarters, without sacrificing the unique character of the place.
The key to the new design remains the central Outdoor Room, which is the new hub of the house. It has a translucent battened roof, which links the living spaces during all but the most inclement weather. The timber seating, landscaping and green wall maintain the outdoor feel of the room. Soft furnishings and cushions soften the space.
The kitchen and dining space have been extended to open up expansive ocean views while still filtering the harsh light and strong breezes that come with an Eastern aspect. The balcony balustrade has been subtly lowered to keep it below the view line of seated diners.
Upstairs a new corridor connects the house with the backyard and draws breezes through the outdoor room. A new main bedroom takes advantage of an expanded ocean view with an arrangement of frameless glass windows and retractable louvres.
