This house was named Sunshine Coast House of the Year in the Australian Institute of Architects regional awards in May 2009.
Built predominantly from concrete and robust timbers with sand-coloured American oak floors throughout, the three-level house steps down the narrow, sloping block, appearing from the street to be a modest, single-storey dwelling.
Tim Ditchfield designed the house to take full advantage of the dramatic ocean views.
Courtyard spaces have been introduced to reduce building bulk, capture north light and promote through-building viewing opportunities to the pool, ocean and other areas of the house. Where possible the building has been designed to be single room in width to maximise cross-through natural light and ventilation.
A central circulation spine provides thermal mass for natural climate control. It is a key feature and is flanked by an off-form concrete wall which runs the length of the house and looks like weathered driftwood.
Solar hot water systems have been installed and roof water is collected in above ground tanks for reuse.'