Currawong

This architectural project is a single-level beach house renovation with a half-level addition, designed for a young and growing family seeking to maximise the potential of their existing coastal home. Located in a relaxed beachside setting, the design focuses on expanding living space, improving functionality, and enhancing natural light while maintaining the modest scale and character of the original house.

The clients’ brief was to create a home that could comfortably accommodate their growing family without significantly increasing the building footprint. The architectural response was to introduce a second half-level addition, allowing the home to gain valuable floor area while maintaining a low-profile form that sits comfortably within the surrounding coastal neighbourhood.

At the ground level, the existing floor plan was reconfigured to create a spacious open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area, forming the social heart of the home. By removing internal walls and improving the circulation throughout the house, the renovation maximises the sense of openness and connection between spaces. Large sliding doors and carefully positioned windows capture natural light, coastal breezes, and views to the outdoor areas, strengthening the relationship between indoor and outdoor living.

The new half-level addition provides additional bedrooms and flexible family spaces, creating separation between private and shared areas of the home. This split-level design allows the house to grow vertically in a subtle way, offering extra room for the family while maintaining the relaxed scale typical of Australian beach house architecture.

A strong focus was placed on efficient space planning and built-in storage, ensuring every square metre of the home is used effectively. Custom joinery, integrated storage solutions, and flexible rooms allow the house to adapt as the family’s needs evolve over time.

Material selections draw inspiration from the surrounding coastal landscape, incorporating light timbers, natural textures, and durable finishes suited to family living and the beachside environment. These materials create a warm, timeless interior while ensuring the home remains practical and low-maintenance.

This project demonstrates how thoughtful residential architecture, strategic renovation, and a carefully designed half-level addition can transform an existing home into a spacious and functional coastal retreat. By maximising space, improving natural light, and creating flexible living areas, the renovated beach house now provides a comfortable and future-ready home for a growing family.