Resilient and Refined: Meet Blairgowrie’s Sustainable Beachside Beauty

Blairgowrie Gable Beach House by Thy Tran Architecture

Architect: Thy Tran Architecture Photographs: Tess Kelly article Size: 1300 m2 Location: Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia Tags: New Homes, Beach Houses

Nestled on Bunurong Country and mere steps from Blairgowrie's rugged back beaches, Blairgowrie Gable Beach House stands as a striking testament to how retirement can be done with style, resilience, and an eye for architectural ingenuity. Designed by Thy Tran Architecture for a Melbourne couple looking to settle into their dream home, this project masterfully blends durability, aesthetics, and comfort to withstand the harsh coastal environment—all while staying effortlessly chic.

Blairgowrie Gable Beach House

Three sleek gable pavilions define the home’s exterior, echoing the classic shapes of nearby beach shacks but with a bold, modern twist. Clad in dark aluminium and COLORBOND® Ultra steel, these materials were meticulously chosen for their durability in the unforgiving seaside climate. Not only do they hold up against the salt, wind, and sand, but they also meet rigorous bushfire regulations.

Blairgowrie Gable Beach House

Inside, it’s all about texture and tone. Polished concrete floors provide a refined industrial edge, while timber cabinetry warms up the space, creating a perfect balance of softness and strength. The dolomite super white benchtops add a luxurious touch, tying the room together with a touch of opulence. Open floor plans blur the line between inside and out, flooding the home with natural light and letting in refreshing ocean breezes—a constant reminder of the nearby coast.

Blairgowrie Gable Beach House
Blairgowrie Gable Beach House
Blairgowrie Gable Beach House
New Homes, Beach Houses
Blairgowrie Gable Beach House

This home isn’t just about striking visuals; it’s the product of a thoughtful partnership between the clients and the design team. The couple was deeply involved in the design process, ensuring the home reflected their practical needs and long-term vision. This collaboration brought about creative solutions that gracefully blend form and function, delivering a home that’s as durable as it is dazzling.

Blairgowrie Gable Beach House

Planning for family visits, the house includes additional bedrooms tailored to host the couple’s children and future grandchildren. This isn't just a retirement haven; it's a legacy in the making, ensuring family gatherings are welcomed and anticipated in a space designed to adapt over time.

Blairgowrie Gable Beach House
Blairgowrie Gable Beach House

Building near the coast is no walk in the park, and the Blairgowrie Gable Beach House faced its fair share of challenges. The harsh climate, combined with COVID-era construction pressures like rising material costs and labour shortages, tested the team’s resolve. The solution? Top-notch materials like corrosion-resistant Vestis aluminium cladding, nailstrip roofing, and an ultra-sturdy concrete basement—strategies that sidestepped corrosion, minimised maintenance, and ensured a snug, watertight fortress against the elements.

Blairgowrie Gable Beach House

As a ‘forever home,’ sustainability features were integral to the design. With a 7kW solar PV system powering the home including the induction cooktop, thermally broken double-glazed windows, ceiling fans for natural cooling, and provisions for bore water, the home is geared for eco-friendly, low-energy living. There’s even an EV charging station for a greener commute, proving retirement can be both stylish and sustainable.

Blairgowrie Gable Beach House
Blairgowrie Gable Beach House
Blairgowrie Gable Beach House

In essence, Blairgowrie Gable Beach House is not just an architectural project; it’s a heartfelt retreat, a space crafted for longevity, family, and a love for coastal living. This home honours both the natural environment and the vision of its owners, standing proudly as a masterclass in sustainable, resilient design.

Blairgowrie Gable Beach House
Blairgowrie Gable Beach House
Blairgowrie Gable Beach House

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