Burrill Lake House | Jost Architects

If you were thinking about making a sea change then warning, this house may cause you to start packing your bags. This particular house project started with an existing beach shack in Burrill Lake, a small coastal town south of Ulladulla on the South Coast of New South Wales. Located in a beautiful Australian coastal bush setting with Eucalypt growing right to the edge of the lake at the end of the street. This is one of the most enviable locations for a home we have seen! Designed by Jost Architects for a friend-turned client, this home is an inspiring and relaxing retreat. Let’s take a look.

What started as a shack purchased by the owner in 2007, was renovated soon after which lead to 18 months of the owner sleeping in a tent in his garage to get it done. However over recent years, getting married and adding two boys to the family led to the sudden requirement to enlarge the existing minimal space of the basic fibro shack. Rather than ‘go up’ as first discussed, the owners instead decided to utilise the area to the north of the existing house in order to save money and time by “building on the ground”.

The design embodies the feel of a classic fibro beach shack that are common to the area, simple but a bit abstract utilising familiar materials. The existing building was opened up to the lush natural vegetation at the front of the property. The project involved consideration in the layout and ultimately led to the existing bedrooms being removed from within the existing envelope, with the bathroom and kitchen remaining but rearranged.

 

What we find most striking about this design is the seamless integration of old and new. There are familiar, almost nostalgic materials that have been used in a modern setting that help to create warmth and immediately adapt to the surroundings. The horizontal panelling featured on the outdoor deck harks back to classic beach shacks whilst the uniform timber panel feature at the top invites a fresher, contemporary feel.

The interior finishes were carefully selected by the owners and chosen to suit its coastal location. This results in the external finishes working in with the furniture, artwork and lifestyle. We love this concept, bringing the energy of the surrounding area into the home. So the pace of the living spaces matches that of the landscape.

 

 

Cosy and modest, the Burrill Lake House is an stunning example of designing for your environment. This home celebrates its landscape and the lifestyle that comes along with it. Relaxed, playful and easy. Sign us up!

Project: Burrill Lake House
Architect: Jost Architects
Location: Burrill Lake, New South Wales, Australia
Photography by Mathew Sacco