New home at Collaroy beach, Sydney | Jo Gillies Gillies

The new home at Collaroy beach was inspired from an understanding of how families live alongside the Sydney summer at the beach. Prevailing NE winds and Northern solar access meant the house had to be elevated with the Living areas at the upper level responding to the views of the sea. The lap pool has the dual function of relating to the kids rumpus areas and an outdoor shower to wash off sand before plunging via a side gate. The clients were a delight to work with and vey open to different materials and design principals. The articulation of pedestrian flow to the upper level and away from the private bedroom areas was handled via an angle and an open glass stairwell- this directs people straight upstairs as it draws in light and the subtle orientation of direction.