marcus beach house by bark design reflects coastal australian climate

marcus beach house by bark design reflects coastal australian climate
photo © christopher frederick jones
all images courtesy of bark design architects

through its open and light spatial nature, the bark architects‘-designed ‘marcus beach house’ celebrates and reflects its setting, located 250 meters from the beach in sunshine coast, australia. the plan is arranged around a prominent 50-year old morton ash bay tree, with two timber ‘pavilions’ on either side. these primary building volumes are linked by a glass-clad two-level passage, with full transparency to the garden outside. the dwelling’s living spaces are closely connected to the surrounding landscape through large doors and operable windows.

corrugated polycarbonate walls partially transmit light
photo © christopher frederick jones

having been initially built in 2002, the residence was modified and extended following a change in ownership in 2009. the original structure was based on principles of durability, economy, and simplicity. the following ‘renew’ project allowed for a refined design, increased comfort, as well as added program.

a large window frame protrudes from a building corner
photos © christopher frederick jones

in both versions, the structure integrates with environmental forces through thorough shading and passive ventilation. large roof overhangs and wood-slat screens function to reduce excessive sunlight penetration while pleasant daylight is permitted. large doors and operable louver (jalousie) windows provide necessary air flow for cross breezes and stack effect. the result allows for the elimination of air conditioning to reduce the building’s energy usage.

a glass-walled corridor links the two pavilions
photo © christopher frederick jones

photo © christopher frederick jones

the house is arranged around an old morton ash bay tree
photo © christopher frederick jones

(left): louver windows allow for passive ventilation
(right): a daybed faces the protruding window
photos © christopher frederick jones

large openings produce indoor-outdoor spaces

video courtesy of bark design architects

the directors of australia-based bark design architects, lindy atkin and stephen guthrie, will be giving a presentation at the iceland academy of arts in reykjavik on thursday september 11, 2014 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm. the talk is their first in europe and open to the public.

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