Skip To Main Content
Issue 62 - Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62

Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62 is the first issue of the year and always a great time to put our best foot forward. With Adam Goodrum, the loveliest man in design, as Guest Editor, we draw on his insights as a furniture designer, artist and educator to look at the makers shaping our design world. Sustainability has never been more important, and increasingly this is a consideration from the start with projects designed to address their immediate environment as well as the longevity of the planet. From the coldest winters to the most tropical of summers, addressing how we live in the environment is crucial to creating the perfect home.

Order Issue

A Product of

A low maintenance tropical escape
HomesAleesha Callahan

A low maintenance tropical escape

Australia

Located on a remote island off North Queensland, this simple one-bedroom beach house withstands the elements while being the perfect getaway pad.


Conceived as truly a cabin that can open up and close itself off, this rooftop lantern pavilion on a remote island in Queensland is the ultimate escape.

Designed by Sydney-based Renato D’Ettorre Architects, the one-bedroom beach house brings all the necessities under one roof, all contained within a mere 100-square-metres.

Simple in plan, the tropical beach house is exposed to extreme weather conditions – such as annual cyclones and monsoons. Bearing this in mind, the approach was to incorporate glass as a shield against wind and rain, and shutters to open it up and let the breeze and cross ventilation through to counteract the heat and humidity.

Architecturally, the roof form takes on a lantern-like quality, which allows the hot air to rise up and naturally ventilate the building. Given the extremes in weather, the ability to allow airflow, while being able to completely closed-up to protect against cyclones was an important consideration.

The palette is natural, and wherever possible uses local products and materials. Ensuring low maintenance was a key requirement, especially given the owners don’t live in the dwelling full time. As such, hardwood timbers combine with local basalt, both wrapping a concrete base.

The stone walls help to ground the structure in the natural environment, while the timber blends with the rainforest surroundings – both of which will continue to age gracefully.

A home away from home, this tropical beach house is designed to encourage indoor/outdoor living when it’s occupied, making for a relaxing island escape.

Project details

Architecture – Renato D’Ettorre Architects
Photography – Willem Rethmeier

We think you might like K House, also by Renato D’Ettorre Architects


About the Author

Aleesha Callahan

Tags

Australian beach houseAustralian Hardwoodsbeach housebeach house designscyclone designRenato D’Ettorre ArchitectsTropical ArchitectureTropical Design


Related Projects
Issue 62 - Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62

Living in the Environment Issue

Issue 62 is the first issue of the year and always a great time to put our best foot forward. With Adam Goodrum, the loveliest man in design, as Guest Editor, we draw on his insights as a furniture designer, artist and educator to look at the makers shaping our design world. Sustainability has never been more important, and increasingly this is a consideration from the start with projects designed to address their immediate environment as well as the longevity of the planet. From the coldest winters to the most tropical of summers, addressing how we live in the environment is crucial to creating the perfect home.

Order Issue