Fairhaven Beach House

This nimble beach house designed by John Wardle architects enjoys panoramic views over the southern ocean and surf beach. Located on top of the ridgeline above the Great Ocean Road on the Victorian coastline, the proportions, orientation and dimensions of windows are tailored to particular views and to reveal internal spaces. The journey through the house from arrival to the view is choreographed to increase anticipation before reaching the main living space. As you step into the dramatic entry space, you become aware of a number of twists and folds along its length that make the transformation into the living space. The main window is of large proportions capturing and framing the ocean view. This beach house coils and steps around a protected central courtyard, which creates an outdoor space sheltered from the harsh prevailing winds much needed on the rugged Victorian coastline . The house is clad in a green-grey zinc cladding, for both its longevity and natural colouring that merges with the scrub and tea tree landscape. In contrast, the interior surfaces of the house are completely lined in timber to form an enclosure for living that its inhabitants become completely immersed within. Your eye is then always drawn toward the dramatic outlook beyond.

Story by Richard Misso. Fairhaven Beach House by John Wardle architects images courtesy of Trevor Mein _ ©meinphoto