Set on the coast of Anglesea, Victoria, Burnt Earth Beach House materialises from the ashes of a dilapidated beach shack to be reborn as a multi-generational residence. Led by lauded architects Wardle, the striking dwelling marries form and function, utilising terracotta in a way that speaks to the landscape itself.
Although the layout could be initially perceived as rather haphazard, it unfurls across a broadly cruciform plan; the configuration is an alchemy describing view lines and daylight ingress with precision. Orientated north, the frames capture panoramic views of the Southern Ocean and the surrounding context. The home is anchored by the island kitchen bench — the governing lines of the plan mark the centre point of the ‘X,’ marking the island kitchen bench as literally and figuratively the nucleus of the home. From here, the spaces spill outwards, drawing residents and visitors alike into expansive living and dining areas, with doors opening to external terraces that wrap around a generous courtyard.
The architecture emulates the palette of the surrounding context, employing an inventive brick developed in close collaboration with the artisan Klynton Krause. Each brick has been crafted through an arduous process of extrusion and hand-tearing, culminating in a rough-hewn texture that tells its own story. The glazing experiments applied to the raw clay before a single firing reveal an earthy palette, with unglazed bricks flowing into shades of green and brown, echoing the coastal banksias that sway gently in the salty breeze.
Terracotta, the pièce de résistance of the dwelling, covers the entirety of the house, while the geometry of the single ceiling plane forms the interior volumes. The interplay of heights allows certain spaces to stretch into double-height expanses, while others maintain a more intimate character. A netting barrier around the study amorphously distorts the boundaries between delineated spaces, while referencing a coastal experience that whispers of afternoons spent working while the sound of waves lulls nearby.
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The terracotta tiles, sourced from Cotto Manetti in Chianti, Italy, speak volumes (literally) about the relationships cultivated over a lifetime of design exploration. Burnt Earth Beach House ensures continuity with the internal climate, improving its liveability by coupling robust insulation and sealing. Solely electric, the residence features a heat exchange water system and solar panels that reflect a commitment to sustainability, while adjustable blinds and shutters introduce a play of light and heat into the core of the home.
The interiors as a whole are deeply atmospheric, evoking a sense of retreat from the coastal surrounds. Materials and lighting create warmth, and one gets the sense that the internal rooms would be equally desirable on a hot summer day or cold winter one. Moreover, the house truly celebrates its thresholds – from a striking front door to large operable openings that totally change the dynamic between inside and out.
Next up: Pippins is an architectural response to the land itself