This existing beach shack is located in Burrill Lake, a small coastal town south of Ulladulla on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Burrill Lake House is designed by Jost Architects for an old friend. This shack has a design that can embody the feel of the classic fibro beach shacks commonly found in the area which is also simple and a bit abstract.
Overview
This shack sits in a beautiful Australian coastal bush setting with Eucalypt growing right at the end of the street and to the edge of the lake. It is also a short distance from Dolphin Point and the expanse of the Tasman Sea. Purchased by the client in 2007, this shack is renovated in a tent in the client’s garage for a long period.
Getting married and adding two boys make the client needs to enlarge the existing minimal space of the basic fibro. The area to the north of the existing house is utilized rather than go up as first discussed. This way can save more time and money by “building on the ground”.
Design
The design in this project can embody the feel of the classic fibro beach shacks commonly found in the area. It is a bit abstract and also simple, utilizing familiar materials. There is lush natural vegetation in the streets to the front of the property where the existing building opened up towards it.
Rooms
From within the existing envelope, the existing bedrooms are removed. The kitchen and the bathroom locations are kept but also rearranged. The ensuite, a study, and three new bedrooms are located in the new “wing”. This “wing” is bolted onto the north side of the existing building, designed with a new opening into the area.
Materials
The addition cups the old house with roof eaves and extended wall nibs are done with the old dwelling at each end overlapping. This addition is also supported by a new timber batten fascia to the retained eaves, vertical painted boards, and the use of corrugated metal sheets.
Details
The clients select the interior finishes carefully which suits the coastal location. These finishes are also worked the external finishes, furniture, artwork, and lifestyle. There is a shed at the back that retained and kept as a homage to the old shacks of the South Coast. The old shacks are full of fishing and surfing gear, wetsuits, bikes, and the ping pong table. The tent is the only thing that packed away.
Burrill Lake House Gallery
Photography: Jost Architects