by Debra Pickrel

Two houses in east Australia exhibit powerful simplicity in form, space, and circulation, while each effectively addresses the specifics of its contrasting site, seaside or subdivision.

Designed by two different Brisbane firms, each lead by young principals, both of these houses show environmentally conscious responses to the subtropical climate of the southeastern Queensland area, with warm, humid summers and mild winters.

Black Box on the Beach

In Kingscliff, New South Wales, just south of the Queensland border, the She Oak House designed by Base Architecture is unquestionably purpose-built. Located in a beachfront neighborhood near the Gold Coast, one of the world's leading surfing destinations, the 350-square-meter (3,800-square-foot) dwelling was commissioned by a lawyer passionate about the sport who also wanted a place for entertaining.

Base Architecture chose a "raw" exterior building skin of galvanized steel and stained rough-sawn plywood. "We aimed for a refined design with an easy, open feeling that could also stand up to the harsh elements of the shoreline, including salt spray, blowing sand, and blazing sun," explains architect Shawn Godwin.   >>>

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SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE Located in a beachfront neighborhood near Kingscliff, Australia, the She Oak House was designed by Base Architecture. Photo: Christopher Frederick Jones Extra Large Image She Oak House is organized around a circulation corridor that runs along one side of the narrow lot, alternating between indoors and out. Photo: Christopher Frederick Jones Extra Large Image   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.