Whale Beach House Australia by Alex Popov & Associates

This Black box house frames project articulates the idea of a modernist approach to the peninsula’s traditional concept of a beachside dwelling. The site of this is Whale Beach House located at the southern end of Whale Beach, Sydney, Australia between the main road and the beach. Facing due east, the site falls away approximately 7 metres from the road to the eastern boundary and is flanked on both sides by brick- and-tile residences of a larger scale.

From the street, the visual image is of a black box with blinkers either side to accommodate entry and stairs. The box provides the living space, while the protective sweep of the enveloping timber arms provides light, air circulation, ventilation and view corridors to the beach from the road, maintaining public amenity.

On entering the building, the visitor faces a large glass window with views through to the beach, flanked by a three storey high raw concrete wall. The building rises three storeys and the dramatic cantilever of the top two floors allows the mass of the building to appear as if hovering above the ground. This in turn provides shade for the pool and entertaining area on the ground floor.

The entire massing is clad in black recycled timber and forms a U shaped black structure to the street with a floating roof that allows views to the horizon.

Architect Homepage: Alex Popov & Associates

Tags: Sydney