SUN DANCE
Cape Paterson | Bass Coast | Bunurong Country
This transformation of a 1970s elevated beach house embraces passive solar design principles, while enhancing the relaxed and fun coastal character of the house.
Originally a small weekender, the house is upcycled into an energy efficient and contemporary permanent family residence that connects with the sun, sky, breezes and trees.
Exposed rafters are retained, highlighted and extended out to form the canopy of the elevated east facing deck, with views of Bass Strait – a place to enjoy amazing sunrises and moonrises over the water.
Openings are positioned to admit winter sun and cooling summer breezes, and a translucent canopy with seasonal shading over the front deck balances sunlight and shade all year round.
ELEMENTS
- Original 1970s house retained and extended with new east facing first floor living zones
- Under-house space converted to studio and enclosed double garage
- New zincalume roof and wall cladding and increased glazing to existing walls
- Passive solar design (natural heating and cooling)
- New double glazed timber windows with stainless steel bushfire screens
- New high performance thermal insulation and building wrap
- Exposed concrete and recycled timber flooring
- Exposed rafters and roof beams retained and extended
- Recycled timber cabinetry and vintage second-hand plumbing and light fittings
- Covered front deck extended towards Bass Strait views and sunrises
- New translucent roof and seasonal shading to front deck
- New external stair forms entry to first floor living areas and internal lift access
- New rear deck forms landing and seating beneath mature tree canopy
- New electric heating panels and ceiling fans
- New 5.1kW solar power system with provision for future solar battery
- New 10,000L rainwater harvesting system plumbed to house and garden