Designed for one of the few remaining properties on Sunshine Beach, this site was probably left vacant due to a tricky slope and difficult position! Despite these challenges, the courtyard design of Sunshine Beach House manages to mediate the difficult slope, provide usable outdoor space, create a sheltered northern aspect and elevate the living spaces to embrace the view.

The London-based clients and their three children wanted a robust, yet warm beach house. With fond memories of time spent in the area as a child, the beach house would serve as a holiday house for extended family from Brisbane and South Africa and would eventually become their home on their return from London.

Located in an ideal position, the property takes in sweeping views of the ocean in the distance and selects closer views of the surrounding landscape. Running east-west there was also an opportunity to orient the house towards the north to maximise winter sunlight while blocking out the summer sun. The courtyard design allows this while drawing breezes through the home and also sheltering the outdoor spaces from cold south-easterly winds.