This beach house set on an idyllic Queensland tropical island is perfectly designed by Renato D'Ettorre Architects to take in the stunning scenery and sea breezes. And, when the owners are away, it can be closed down and locked up securely...
The one-bedroom beach house is 10 metres x 10 metres and is simply, yet beautifully designed. Virtually the entire home, including the bedroom and bathroom, opens up to the views and breezes, with a series of timber shutters and glass doors allowing the owners to adjust the degree of openness depending on their needs. When they're away, the whole house closes down completely, secure and safe from rain and humidity, but when home, all the doors and shutters can recede into their hiding places in the walls and the home melts into its surroundings.
"Retractable timber shutters made from low-maintenance native hardwoods that will age and eventually blend in with the surrounding tropical landscape", explains the architect while "solid walls have been dispensed with in order to achieve maximum openness allowing as much air in as possible."
Inside a completely white interior creates a cool contrast the heat outside. Window seats on either side of the living area create the perfect place to relax with a drink and a book with waves crashing in the distance. With a steep pitch roof and traditional capped roof ventilator, the home constantly draws air through the space. Combined with ceiling fans, air conditioning isn't required in spite of the tropical climate. The entirely white interior gives a cool contrast to the exterior heat.
The simple, but thoughtful design means the owners can embrace and fully engage with the stunning natural environment when they're staying and be sure that their beach house is safe when they're away. If you were going to have a beach house on a remote tropical island, you'd want it to be like this.
