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More than 85% of Australia’s population lives within 50 kilometres of a coastline. We’re a nation of beach lovers and the dream of a stunning beach house is firmly embedded within our cultural psyche.
If you have that perfect beachside block, or perhaps you want the aesthetic but don’t necessarily have the view, here are a few things we think are worth considering in the design phase.
Wamberal & Terrigal NSW
Stick to a simple layout
In your coastal home the view is the star of many rooms. Keeping your layout simple and open allows for an easy flow between spaces, minimising interruption to your stunning location.
By far the most popular layout for coastal homes is open plan, and with good reason. An open plan layout creates a sense of space and light. It also fits the lifestyle. Incorporating generous amounts of negative space means you can move around comfortably and allows easy access to the outdoors.
Coastal style living spaces often blend seamlessly with outdoor areas. Having great, usable outdoor living ‘rooms’ is one of the most desirable aspects of a well designed coastal home, so it’s well worth incorporating.
Some rooms need a little separation. If the home is purely for holidays you could take the open plan idea to the extreme, but if you’re living in the home permanently you will want some private areas.Β Having separate areas for bedrooms means that you can create calm, enclosed spaces away from the main living. And if they come with the relaxing sound of crashing waves, all the better!
More on outdoor areas …
When considering decks and entertainment areas thinking big usually pays off. As with internal rooms, small spaces can be difficult to use and difficult to furnish. If your vision is for big, family barbecues after a day at the beach, ensure you have plenty of room to spread out.
Think about inclusions, like an outdoor kitchen and a bathroom accessible from the outdoor areas, that make outdoor areas more usable. Storage is also a consideration, and if you surf or SUP you will want easy access to your boards and general beach paraphernalia. You are much more likely to utilise outdoor spaces and your location if everything is ready at hand.
And don’t forget the outdoor shower to wash away the days’ sand, the ultimate coastal home inclusion.
Windows and glass doors
Glazing is expensive, particularly if you’re looking at large-span windows and doors. But it also forms part of the light and bright coastal style we love. It captures views, should you lucky enough, floods the space with light and allows easy access to outdoor areas.
Innovative use of glass, along with energy efficient glazing, is vital to keep your home comfortable and to ensure power costs are kept down. Louvre windows are a great option for catching those sea breezes and providing ventilation as are clerestory feature windows.
Materials
Coastal homes usually call for a natural palette, and the combination of lots of white paint and natural timber finishes is an enduringly popular one. It not only suits the lifestyle but often complements the location.
Finishes like external weatherboards (either timber or an alternative material for extra durability) bring a beach house feel and go well with natural timbers. Or consider painted feature timber cladding for a retro look and a dose of beach shack chic.
Timber floors or tiles fit the aesthetic and are also a practical choice for sandy toes. Consider seamlessly blending them with outdoor areas for an even more spacious feel.
Privacy
Coastal style homes typically have a lot of windows and generous outdoor living. It’s what we love about them and why they truly fit our coastal lifestyle. But the reality is that we usually share space or boundaries with others, and while you might like an outdoor shower overlooking the surf, beach goers might be less impressed!
You don’t have to sacrifice that feeling of endless, unfettered space for privacy. Clever design and good use of space can have you feeling like there’s nobody else for miles around. Considerations like floor plan, orientation and screening can make all the difference.
Cold weather
Although beach houses and coastal homes have summer in mind, there’s few things nicer than being cosy and warm and taking in a stormy ocean view. Ensure your home embraces all the seasons.
In our climate outdoor living is possible all year round and there’s several ways you can ensure you have a warm, sunny spot for your winter morning coffee.
Big, open spaces are notoriously difficult to heat. You might consider including a “snug” into your floor plan, purely for winter evenings. Or utilise sliding walls to enclose some spaces.
The orientation of your home, the design, and the thermal mass of materials used, can have a huge impact on the heating needed through winter. Ideally your home should be comfortable and make the most of its location year round.
At N A Hill Designs we have designed many beautiful coastal homes that are also practical and timeless. If you have any questions about how to create the perfect coastal home for your lifestyle feel free to call or email us.
