Houses revisited: Hahei Beach house

This article discusses the design and construction of a new guesthouse by Hariri & Hariri Architecture, commissioned by entrepreneur Cliff Schorer, for his property in Provincetown, Massachusetts. The property is home to a significant 20th-century architectural masterwork, the former residence of Carl Murchison, designed by The Architects Collaborative, led by Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius, and completed in 1959. Gropius was a strong advocate for modernist design, famously urging the U.S. government to adopt contemporary architectural styles for the Cape Cod National Seashore's visitor centers, rather than resorting to "reviving revivals." Despite Provincetown's history of embracing progressive ideas and diverse communities, modern architecture remains uncommon. However, Schorer and the Hariri sisters, Gisue and Mojgan, shared a vision inspired by Gropius's philosophy, viewing his Cape Cod National Seashore letter as a call to push the town's architecture into the 21st century. Schorer, described as a "very inspired client," sought a design that would be both "revolutionary yet livable," driven by his passions for architecture, furniture, and art. The resulting 2,400-square-foot guesthouse presents a fresh and captivating appearance, envisioned by Gisue Hariri as reminiscent of rocks washing off the nearby breakwater and landing on the beach. While distinct, the design thoughtfully incorporates and adapts Gropius’s signature rectilinear forms and neutral materials. The Hariris used a palette of grays, taupe tones, and dark wood, mirroring the original house's aesthetic. Charcoal-colored stucco covers the retaining walls, polished concrete flooring features on the lower level, and aluminum frames the windows, all contributing to the gray scheme. Brazilian ipe wood is a prominent material, wrapping the upper level's exterior and lining its interior, creating a sense of warmth and continuity. The guesthouse's roofline, with its hairpin shape and broken pediment, serves as a transitional element, addressing the pre-existing gabled gatehouse on the property. A Gropius-inspired clerestory adds height to the master bedroom's window wall, while a smaller, ipe-clad window in the master bathroom is strategically placed to block views of a neighboring motel. Inside the master bathroom, ipe continues for flooring and faceted paneling, evoking a carved, cavelike feel, or a warm Swedish sauna, as described by the Hariri sisters. Emulating Gropius's architectural approach, a portion of the guesthouse's lower level is buried, capitalizing on the site's elevation change. This design choice makes the guesthouse appear as a modest single story from the approach, with the living and dining areas revealing themselves down the slope. The double-height living area features a soaring fireplace wall, surfaced with the same gray stucco used on the exterior, echoing the Gropius house's fireplace. The Hariris expressed their profound respect and excitement in working with Gropius's architectural principles. The project serves as a testament to honoring the architectural heritage of a place while simultaneously advancing contemporary design, a philosophy that will guide future guesthouse proposals for the property. #BauhausArchitecture #GuesthouseDesign #HaririAndHariri #CapeCod #ModernArchitecture #ArchitecturalRenovation #SustainableDesign #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture

The "Dune Dweller House," designed by architect Jorge Hrdina, is a beach house on the NSW Central Coast that draws inspiration from Japanese architectural principles to create a serene retreat. The property, located on a sand dune 20 meters above the beach, presented unique challenges due to its exposed location, including harsh winds and salt-laden air. The owners, who had previously owned a weekender nearby, sought a "forever home" that would blend seamlessly with the headland, be invisible from the beach, and incorporate natural materials such as timber, off-form concrete, sandstone, and copper roofing. The design brief specified a new two-story, three-bedroom main house on the oceanfront and a separate two-bedroom cottage across a courtyard to the west. A key requirement was an indoor/outdoor feel, with the downstairs fully openable to the exterior, while also providing distinct spaces like a study and a media room. The west-facing side, looking towards the hinterland, was designed to offer shelter and views of sunsets. A crucial element was a courtyard providing protection from summer northeasterlies and access to winter sun, maintaining a modest profile that harmonizes with the dune and utilizing natural materials. To address the erosion threat posed by the sandy site, Hrdina conceived a unique wharf-style structure. This involved utilizing the existing slab and embedding 15-meter posts five stories deep into the sand, expressed both internally and externally. This structural solution not only stabilized the house but also informed the aesthetic. The house features a central circulation spine, guiding occupants toward the ocean, mirroring the functionality of a wharf. Hrdina's appreciation for Japanese timber structures, known for their timeless aesthetic and longevity, influenced the choice of materials and construction techniques. The house's decoration is inherent in its hand-crafted structure, with laminated Victorian ash posts and beams custom-made, secured with stainless-steel bolts and black steel straps. Rafters are thinned with black steel plates, contributing to a sleek wharf aesthetic. Instead of traditional plasterboard, light beech plywood veneer and raw cementitious wall panelling are used to add depth and texture, echoing Japanese building styles. A floating staircase, battens in screens, and sliding walls contribute to an airy and warm interior. The material selection prioritizes durability against the harsh seaside environment, with Victorian ash posts and blackbutt windows requiring minimal maintenance. Shou Sugi Ban charred timber cladding offers decades of durability, and copper roofing is chosen for its ability to patina attractively in salty air. Accoya engineered-timber ceiling battens, in a light, beach-inspired color, further enhance durability. Wide French oak flooring with a distressed finish evokes the ruggedness of sand, allowing the natural environment to be the focal point. The owners describe the house as a "livable art piece" with exquisite finishes, emphasizing its comfort and practicality as a beachside home rather than a resort, designed to age gracefully and become more integrated with its surroundings over time. #JapaneseInspiredDesign #BeachHouse #ZenRetreat #CoastalArchitecture #SustainableDesign #NaturalMaterials #WharfStructure #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation

Fashion designer Kelli Wharton embarked on a transformative renovation of her blonde-brick suburban house in Byron Bay, converting it into a stunning beach-inspired home. Her clear vision was to create a cool, beachy abode that mirrored the laidback coastal lifestyle she and her family embraced, regularly spending time on the white sands south of Byron Bay. The design emphasized ease and functionality to suit a family with two young boys, incorporating natural elements like stone and wood throughout the interior to reflect the surrounding environment. Key changes included converting a bedroom into a family room, which was adorned with cushions from Talulah's homewares range. The living room features a striking coffee table from Ahoy Trader and a recently added Izzah Beni Ourain rug from Marr-Kett. The master bedroom was thoughtfully built in the space previously occupied by the garage, featuring whitewashed floorboards from Choices Flooring, contributing to the beachy aesthetic. The master bedroom also includes a colorful artwork by Jai Vasicek of Ahoy Trader, hanging above a chair sourced from Byron Designworks. The kitchen, a central hub for the family, was completely rebuilt in its original location to incorporate more cupboard and bench space, catering to practical family needs. The dining area features a marble-topped dining table from Coco Republic, complemented by chairs from Fenton & Fenton. The bathroom was updated with Bianco Industry Silver tiles from Byron Bay Tiles, ensuring a contemporary yet cohesive feel. An outdoor dining area includes a table from Kelli's father, paired with chairs imported from Indonesia, and a fan from Beacon Lighting, with a towel from the Talulah homewares range, enhancing the indoor-outdoor flow. Functionality and style extend to the exterior with a garage built from merbau timber at the front of the property, designed to house the family's surfboards, including a mini mal from Kelli's own label, Talulah. This renovation successfully blends modern design with a relaxed, beach-inspired atmosphere, creating a home that is both beautiful and practical for a coastal family life. #ByronBayHome #BeachHouseRenovation #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #CoastalLiving #FashionDesignerHome #FamilyFriendlyDesign #HomeTransformation

Aphy and Randy Lennon, approaching retirement, embarked on a significant home transformation, converting their Bethany Beach vacation property into a permanent residence. Their vision for this new phase of life was a comfortable, functional, and light-filled home, a stark contrast to their previous busy careers in Washington, D.C. The couple’s detailed wish list included a state-of-the-art kitchen, luxurious bathrooms, an open-concept living and dining area, a versatile den doubling as a home office, and extensive storage solutions. Aphy, a keen observer of home design trends, drew inspiration from various online resources like Pinterest and Houzz, but found the most valuable insights from in-person tours, particularly the annual Beach and Bay Cottage Tour in Bethany, for which she meticulously saved tour booklets and notes over 12 years. To actualize their ambitious plans, the Lennons collaborated with architect Scott Edmonston, whose work they admired, and builder Allen Curtis of Cottage Construction. A significant challenge was the home's location on wetlands bordering a pond, which precluded any expansion of the existing 2,350-square-foot footprint. Edmonston ingeniously devised solutions to maximize the perceived space and functionality within the existing structure. The cornerstone of this redesign was the creation of an open-concept gathering space on the second floor, seamlessly integrating the kitchen, living room, and dining area. This design choice reflected Aphy's desire to avoid a formal dining room, promoting a casual and interactive environment where she could engage with guests while cooking. The renovation involved removing internal walls and replacing old carpeting and tile with cohesive four-inch oak plank flooring throughout, donated to Habitat for Humanity. A striking feature of the transformation was raising the roof to create a lofty cathedral ceiling with white-painted tongue-and-groove wood and beams, significantly enhancing the sense of spaciousness. Given the absence of natural gas in their area, the couple opted for propane to power their stainless steel range and a fireplace set in stacked stone. The kitchen, designed by Sue Smith of Custom Cabinet Shop, features cottage-style beaded white cabinets, with a top bank of glass-fronted cabinets showcasing Aphy's pottery collection. A large island, topped with a massive slab of quartzite hoisted in by crane, serves as both a prep area and casual seating, equipped with specialized storage for cookbooks and small appliances. Rustic pendant lights illuminate the island and dining table. Beyond aesthetics, the renovation incorporated practical upgrades such as a surround-sound entertainment system and remote-controlled custom window blinds. The interior palette is serene, with Benjamin Moore’s Concrete Gray walls complementing white cabinetry, millwork, and subway tiles, alongside stainless steel and gray-veined quartzite accents. Design consultant Gail Lednum assisted with color schemes and furniture, incorporating comfortable solid-upholstered pieces with a bold gray-and-yellow floral print chair. The gray-and-white theme extends to the bathrooms, featuring Carrera marble and pewter-toned hardware. Unique design elements include a seamless sliding shower door in the guest bath and rolling mirrors in the master bath for light control. The redesign also optimized the home's natural surroundings, enhancing views of the pond and its wildlife through larger windows and an expanded screened porch. The garage was reconfigured to create a spacious laundry room with extensive storage, including a gift-wrap station and pantry. Externally, vinyl siding was replaced with cement board siding mimicking cedar, and the asphalt driveway was upgraded to a semicircular paver driveway, significantly boosting curb appeal. The transformed house is now a permanent and cherished home for the Lennons, allowing them to fully embrace their retirement in Bethany Beach. #BethanyBeachHome #OpenConceptDesign #HomeRenovation #CottageConstruction #RetirementHome #InteriorDesign #CoastalLiving #KitchenRemodel #BathroomUpgrade

The increasing digitisation of life has led to a growing appreciation for beach living as a means of slowing down and reconnecting with nature. Australia's diverse coastline has become a highly sought-after location for residential architecture, offering a unique canvas for architects and interior designers. This article showcases 13 luxurious coastal homes that exemplify how design can harmonize with spectacular views and seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor spaces. The first featured home is Byron Bay’s 'Saint Rocky’s' by George Gorrow Design Studio, designed with an emphasis on creating a welcoming atmosphere for friends and impromptu gatherings. The five-bedroom, four-bathroom residence utilizes a material palette of timber, concrete, and natural stone, featuring sun-filled living areas, rooftop decks, and a magnesium pool, all oriented to frame the coastal environment. Next, an island-inspired family retreat on Sydney’s Northern Beaches presents a tranquil compound that resembles a resort while serving as a serene family home, marked by an oversized timber door. Following this, a beachside holiday home with a playful, sunny vibe, envisioned by YSG Studio, incorporates vibrant red hues, spicy ginger upholstery, and zesty citrus accents, reminiscent of chic resorts. Jorge Hrdina’s 'Dune Dweller House' on MacMasters Beach offers a meditative retreat, reimagining the beach house as a contemplative space. The two-storey, three-bedroom residence and its adjacent two-bedroom cottage blend into the headland, using timber, off-form concrete, sandstone, and copper that age gracefully with the sea air. Sliding walls and open living spaces blur the lines between inside and out, while exposed laminated ash posts and warm oak floors, inspired by wharf structures and Japanese timber craft, provide material resilience and context to the site's ocean panoramas and sheltered courtyards. Avalon’s 'Wave House,' reimagined by Alexandra Kidd Interior Design, stands as a sculptural tribute to the Northern Beaches’ shoreline. The renovation respects the original 1980s architecture while addressing structural challenges and refreshing the interiors with a palette of creamy microcement, stone, and oat-toned furnishings. Central living spaces offer expansive views of Avalon Beach, and a mezzanine reading room and whale-watching platform strengthen the home’s connection to the sea and sky. A Mediterranean-inspired home in Palm Beach, designed by Megan Burns of CM Studio, features pure-white pavilions, pale rosewood interiors, and rough stone walls, evoking a sense of the Mediterranean. A minimalist harbourside refuge, anchored by a magnificent gum tree, showcases a powerfully minimal palette to create a sophisticated and serene permanent holiday home. An arresting concrete home above Sydney’s Balmoral highlights robust materials and embraces its bayside position with views of Sydney Heads. A modern home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, designed by Tobias Partners, frames the ocean with a simple, luxurious design that makes the most of its sloping site, ensuring each level provides a distinct experience. An ultra-modern residence features hardy coastal plantings that integrate with the streetscape, climbing and spilling over crisp white walls, aligning with the local seaside aesthetic. Finally, a curvaceous home in the Mornington Peninsula by BH Architects, defined by broad sweeps of stone in cloud-like greys and minty seafoam, expresses grandeur through its vast, curvilinear volumes and the untamed beauty of the landscape. Coastal living is given a glamorous touch in a stunning residence in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, designed by Greg Natale, which eschews typical beachy elements in favor of contemporary luxury. The article concludes with an ultra-luxe beach house in Sydney’s Bilgola, created by architect Walter Barda and interior designer Justine Hugh-Jones, which integrates contemporary design and coastal living by responding to the natural environment through its palette of finishes, colours, and furniture, devoid of clichés. #CoastalHomes #LuxuryLiving #AustralianArchitecture #InteriorDesign #BeachHouse #HomeTours #ModernDesign #CoastalDesign #OutdoorLiving