Leuschke

Over the next decades the Bach gave way to the Beach House with open plan living, multiple bathrooms and outdoor living. But they remained second homes and generally for two generations, Mum, Dad, and the kids. The Beach Houses of the early 21st century became increasingly larger and more luxurious but were unambiguous. They were recreational. The brief for the Kewai house set out to provide both the formality of a permanent home and the casualness of a holiday house.

The clients brief also anticipated the needs of a multigenerational family, Mum, Dad, and the Kids joined by Grandchildren. It also anticipated long stay, not just weekends, where any combination of the family could be in residence. The master bedroom is well separated from the other three bedrooms’ which are clustered around a second living room. The interior planning is reflected in the external forms. The double height entry and stairs to the first floor sets up a hierarchical sequence of massing to the street. A strong façade is the only public view of the building. Vertical cedar and aluminium cladding create a vibrant and casual imagery evocative of earlier, humble bach designs. The bulk of the building is contained under an immense gabled roof whose sloping gutters result from the internal planning, Overall the effect is pleasing but a little novel in its very suburban setting.