Situated on a long, narrow site, the Port Willunga Beach House is a home founded on a flexible and adaptable approach to family living. The agricultural farm sheds dotted throughout the nearby McLaren Vale are drawn on for inspiration as a cost effective, rational building form. The simple ‘shed’ like form is punctuated with carefully placed courtyard voids that invite Northern sunlight into living areas and bedrooms, as well as encourage connection and interaction between the different parts of the home.

As a balance between privacy and sunlight the pavilion-like form is connected through a continuous verandah around it’s edge that links indoor and outdoor spaces. The breaks and pauses in the form promote social engagement and encourage a connection to the landscape and natural elements. Sliding timber screens and retractable shades offer an adaptability to the changing weather and privacy control, while preserving the ability to create separate and enclosed zones. Along the main circulation corridor are a sequence of window seats that also double as micro living spaces and cozy sleeping nooks. These frame courtyard views and act as integrated furniture elements.

Drawing from a local vernacular language of galvanized cladding, blackbutt timber, and the simplicity of more traditional farm structures, the material palette aims to connect the residence to its place. In reversing the traditional Aussie backyard to sit at the front of the home, the result creates an animated and vibrant outdoor scene to the streetscape, inviting neighbours to actively engage when passing by.