Casuarina, New South Wales
Country | Bundjalung
Casuarina Beach House
Built | TBC
Builder | Paul Burton
Photography | Andy Macpherson Studio
Located a short walk from the coastline at Casuarina, this 220m² beach house is designed as a relaxed family retreat that balances privacy, durability and outdoor living. Positioned on a gently sloping site in a coastal environment subject to salt spray and sea air, the project responds to both the practical demands of the location and the informal character of beachside living. The brief called for a three-bedroom, three-bathroom home with strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces, centred around a private pool and areas for entertaining.
The house is arranged along the western boundary, creating a protected outdoor zone that accommodates the lap pool and primary courtyard spaces. This move provides shade from the afternoon sun while establishing a private internal focus for the home. Elevated above street level and screened by carefully considered landscaping, the building maintains privacy without disconnecting from its surroundings.
At the heart of the house, an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area flows directly into the central courtyard. Large openings create a strong relationship between inside and out, allowing everyday living to extend naturally into the landscape. The outdoor entertaining area is anchored by an Aurora suspended fireplace, creating a gathering point that supports year-round use. Sleeping accommodation is separated from the communal spaces, with all three bedrooms located on the upper level to provide privacy and retreat from the activity below.
Material selections are guided by the realities of the coastal environment. Painted brickwork forms a durable and easily maintained base, capable of withstanding exposure to airborne salt while providing a sense of permanence and solidity. Operable aluminium screening wraps portions of the upper level, offering privacy, sun control and protection while contributing to the building's restrained architectural expression. The result is a robust palette designed for longevity with minimal maintenance requirements.
Casuarina Beach House is shaped by the rhythms of coastal living. Protected outdoor spaces, durable materials and an open, flexible plan combine to create a home that feels breezy, private and easy to occupy. It is a place designed for long summer days, informal gatherings and the simple routines of life by the beach.