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. 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.

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Why a granny flat?

Do you have an aging family member you need to provide for? Or an adult child who needs some independence? Or … are you looking to make some extra cash by renting out a secondary dwelling on your property? Or perhaps becoming an Airbnb super host?

An affirmative answer to any of the above means that adding a granny flat to your property could be the perfect solution for you.

Access.

The next thing to consider is your block’s suitability and access. If you are building to accommodate a family member separate access might not be an issue, but if you are building to rent you might want to ensure that everyone has some privacy.

Properties on a corner block or with back lane access are perfect, but there are ways to incorporate access on standard blocks. Discuss access with your designer – it is a consideration that should inform the overall design.

Available space.

For rentals in particular you need to ensure you have enough space to avoid the two properties encroaching on each other, particularly if the main dwelling is also a rental. The idea is to create maximum income from your investment without affecting your initial investment or income. Often your designer can suggest innovative ways to maximise the potential of your site.

You also need to consider where the services for your existing home are. Power, water, stormwater drains, sewers, easements and more can all have an influence on your build and on approvals. Again, your designer can help you with this.

Speaking of approvals …

Council requirements differ across regions and states. In NSW there is nothing too problematic and in many cases you can have a building certifier approve the build without the need for lodging a development application. Your designer can walk you through the approvals process or take it on as part of the contract.

The fun part.

Once you have dealt with these initial considerations you can start working with your designer to flesh out your granny flat design. Bear in mind that NSW has a maximum square meterage of 60sqm for these kinds of secondary dwellings.

Choosing a style.

Many things can influence the style of your build, including the existing dwelling. Usually a style that sympathises with the dwelling, or with the position on the block, is best. You might like something that imitates the style of the main home, or you might choose something completely different that blends with the garden. The choices are literally endless.

You can go to your designer with a good idea of what you want – any reference material you have is a great start. Equally, the conversation can start with a blank page. Your designer should be able to gauge what might work for you and put forward some suggestions.

Inclusions.

Granny flats can be simple one room structures – basically a freestanding bedroom, rather like the garages converted for teenagers in the 80s – or they can feature multiple rooms plus amenities. Many are simply small homes, with bathroom, kitchen, living and one or two bedrooms.

Also think about other inclusions your granny flat might need. These could include features like outdoor living areas, storage, landscaping and parking space. Or they might be specific to the intended use – for example if you intend to accommodate an elderly relative you will have to consider their level of mobility, both now and in the future.

Cost and investment.

A sympathetic design and quality materials are more likely to add value to your property over time. Although it’s not advisable to skimp on construction materials, clever use of space and selection of interior finishes can definitely keep money in your pocket. This is where a good understanding with your designer is invaluable.

As with any building project it is important to get it right on ‘paper’ before you break soil. Your designer can take your site and needs into consideration and deliver a bespoke result, tailoring it exactly to your needs.

Having a good idea of what you are up for from the beginning is obviously important, particularly if you’re looking for an income stream. And prices can vary greatly with granny flats depending on style and size. Your designer will work with you and your budget.

Lastly …

If you don’t have that patch of scrappy lawn down the back of your block, maybe think about going up. Remember The Fonz’s flat over the Cunningham’s garage? It might be the perfect option for that noisy teenager or those regular visitors!

Talk to NA Hill Designs about the many options available for granny flats and secondary dwellings, and what might be right for you.

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