Search

A Holiday Beach House with Views of the Bay

Located in Somers about an hour from Melbourne, Residence J&C is a holiday beach house designed by Open Studio Pty Ltd Architecture for a couple, their dog, and the occasional visitors. The small beachside town was established in the 1920s and remains a relaxed spot for vacationers. The new elevated house spans two floors to minimize unnecessary disturbance to the vegetation leaving much of the site untouched.

Residence-JC-Open-Studio-1a

To make the most of the panoramic views across Western Port Bay, the structure is made up of stacked boxes that extend out to create balconies towards the sea.

Residence-JC-Open-Studio-2

The opposite end features floor-to-ceiling windows as well. The low maintenance, exterior materials and colors were chosen to blend in with the natural landscape.

Residence-JC-Open-Studio-3

Residence-JC-Open-Studio-4

The house is organized into three zones – a flexible open living space on the upper floor, the master bedroom and guests’ bedrooms on the lower floor, and a core in the center for circulation and services.

Residence-JC-Open-Studio-5

They kept the interior simple and minimalist with two colors – white walls and dark stained and waxed wood elements (floors, window frames, and fireplace).

Residence-JC-Open-Studio-6

Residence-JC-Open-Studio-7

Residence-JC-Open-Studio-8

Residence-JC-Open-Studio-9

Photos by Open Studio Pty Ltd Architecture.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.