Stickybeak of the Week: A Beach House Finally Gets its Sea Views
Expanding this 1960s beach house upwards accessed stunning ocean views, while an internal refresh revealed a retro gem
Nostalgia had a large part to play in the purchase of this 1960s weatherboard single-storey house by its current owners, Michael and Michele Bell. The couple was searching for a new family home near the beach to enjoy with their two sons, and as architects running their own practice, Michael Bell Architects, a renovation project was most certainly on the cards. The property not only conjured up fond memories for Michael, who was reminded of his grandfather’s house on Phillip Island, but it proved a real find when a quick climb onto the roof confirmed the couple’s expectation that adding another storey would reveal amazing ocean views.
The existing L-shaped footprint of the house was oriented in a way that all the rooms were airy and light, therefore extending directly upwards on the same footprint was a simple solution for the couple. Now, the main living space, master suite and guest room take advantage of the outstanding northerly views towards the ocean, while the lower floor has further bedrooms and a generous rumpus room for their boys, which overlooks an established garden.
“Integral to our design was a large, open communal space for family and friends, with plenty of seating and lots of glass to maximise the views of the ocean to the east, coast to the north and escarpment to the west,” says Michele.
“Integral to our design was a large, open communal space for family and friends, with plenty of seating and lots of glass to maximise the views of the ocean to the east, coast to the north and escarpment to the west,” says Michele.
Keen to continue the original retro aesthetic through to the new upper floor, the couple wanted to bring a Mad Men feel to the interiors; capturing a grown-up, glamorous ’60s vibe. “We wanted to avoid the cliched beach-shack look with shells and driftwood everywhere, and be true to the house’s original era,” says Michele.
For example, Michael insisted on having timber awning windows made to match the lower floor designs, despite advice to the couple that they’d save money by updating every window. “On a hot day we can open them 90 degrees to draw through the cool ocean breeze, meaning there’s no requirement for air conditioning in this house, as there is a sea breeze on all but maybe five days of the year,” says Michele.
Gold-leaf table lamp and copper side tables: Worlds Away
For example, Michael insisted on having timber awning windows made to match the lower floor designs, despite advice to the couple that they’d save money by updating every window. “On a hot day we can open them 90 degrees to draw through the cool ocean breeze, meaning there’s no requirement for air conditioning in this house, as there is a sea breeze on all but maybe five days of the year,” says Michele.
Gold-leaf table lamp and copper side tables: Worlds Away
Another environmental consideration the couple took on board during the build was the aspect of creating a home that sat harmoniously within its landscape. “We believe the most environmentally friendly buildings are those that aren’t going to be pulled down as fashions change, so we have stuck to simple, classic designs and used tried and tested products,” says Michele.
In the kitchen area, rich timber cabinetry from Ikea is teamed with a polished pietra grey limestone benchtop and vintage pendants for a timeless look, while encaustic tiles from Jatana Interiors add an eclectic touch for impact.
In the kitchen area, rich timber cabinetry from Ikea is teamed with a polished pietra grey limestone benchtop and vintage pendants for a timeless look, while encaustic tiles from Jatana Interiors add an eclectic touch for impact.
The upstairs living space is the central hub of the house, with other spaces branching off. “The flow of movement was an important aspect in this space. I wanted people to be able to transition from a drink on the deck to dinner in the dining room, to coffee in the living room with just a few steps. And all the while, we can move in and out of the kitchen without breaking conversation with guests.”
Fortunately the couple faced no issues with the council as it was a complying development. “This project was actually one of the first major alterations done under NSW State Environment and Planning Policy for Housing, meaning no application was required,” says Michele.
Fortunately the couple faced no issues with the council as it was a complying development. “This project was actually one of the first major alterations done under NSW State Environment and Planning Policy for Housing, meaning no application was required,” says Michele.
The original entrance to the house was via a carport, so the couple reconfigured the entry so the front door is now visible from the street. They also refurbished and re-hung the original 1960s front door, adding new door hardware. Inside, the stairs have been kept open and light with timber battens extending to the full height of the ceiling on one side for another classic retro note.
Black and white vinyl floor tiles: Armstrong
Black and white vinyl floor tiles: Armstrong
In the master suite, the large single pane of glass that makes up one window had to be craned into position. “We can sit in bed and watch the whales swim past,” says Michele.
The abundance of glass throughout the house takes advantage of the orientation, and during winter the sunshine warms the rooms, minimising heating requirements.
Custom-made bedhead and bedspread fabric: Warwick Fabric
The abundance of glass throughout the house takes advantage of the orientation, and during winter the sunshine warms the rooms, minimising heating requirements.
Custom-made bedhead and bedspread fabric: Warwick Fabric
In the master ensuite, a built-in bath and a monochrome scheme continue the glamorous ’60s theme, while the shower has been left open on one side for a smart, wet-room feel. “The floor tiles have been laid with falls to minimise water puddling and we love the fact that there’s no shower door to clean,” says Michele.
Tapware: Amox
Tapware: Amox
Originally two rooms, the downstairs living space was knocked through to create one large area that’s ideal for the kids and great for sleepovers. “This room retains nearly all the original windows facing the front of the house, while at the back it opens onto the downstairs deck. It works perfectly for the kids and their friends,” says Michele.
Copper wall panels: Porter’s Paints; framed fabric: Lizzo
Copper wall panels: Porter’s Paints; framed fabric: Lizzo
The skillion roof over the existing house, with 900-millimetre eaves, was retained to maintain the original aesthetic of the building and to continue the protection of the windows in the summer. “These eaves are also great for accessing the first-floor windows,” says Michele.
The house is erected on red brick foundation course, and with the height of the weatherboard plus the L shape of the house, the side aspect was screaming for a deck. However, the couple felt it would be overkill if they extended the deck around the entire house, so instead…
The house is erected on red brick foundation course, and with the height of the weatherboard plus the L shape of the house, the side aspect was screaming for a deck. However, the couple felt it would be overkill if they extended the deck around the entire house, so instead…
… Michael designed a large planter box, in which grows a mandarin tree, making the perfect transition from deck to garden and creating a sense of greenery surrounding the deck.
So are the family still enjoying the house after their eight years there, considering they thought they’d only be in it for around 18 months? “The house suits us perfectly. We can still run our architecture practice in Sydney, which is under two hours drive, yet we can live beside the beach in a home that has ample space for friends and family to stay. Even when the house is full, there’s always somewhere to go away from the crowd, which wasn’t possible in our inner-city terrace house in Sydney. Moving away from the city was definitely the best choice for us,” says Michele.
Tell us
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
So are the family still enjoying the house after their eight years there, considering they thought they’d only be in it for around 18 months? “The house suits us perfectly. We can still run our architecture practice in Sydney, which is under two hours drive, yet we can live beside the beach in a home that has ample space for friends and family to stay. Even when the house is full, there’s always somewhere to go away from the crowd, which wasn’t possible in our inner-city terrace house in Sydney. Moving away from the city was definitely the best choice for us,” says Michele.
Tell us
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
Who lives here: Michael and Michele Bell, and their two teenage sons.
Location: Kiama Downs, NSW
Size: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Design: Michael Bell Architects
With many years of architectural experience behind them, Michael and Michele Bell were clear from the outset about the property’s potential, despite its unloved interior and disappointing ocean ‘glimpses’ from the existing single storey. “It had been rented out for many years and was in poor condition,” says Michele. “However, the general layout and orientation of the house was perfect, and we were wooed by its mid-century character.
“We wanted a house that accommodated modern beachside living while maintaining its nuances, and we knew that adding to the existing house was a better decision than knocking it down and starting again.”