Brunswick Heads Residence by Fraser Mudge Architects and We Are Triibe

Fraser Mudge Architects and We Are Triibe draw on an unconventional layout and warm material palette to reimagine family beachside living in the coastal enclave of Brunswick Heads.

A rigid black timber facade immediately distinguishes Brunswick Heads Residence from the quintessential 1970s Australian coastal streetscape where it resides. Originally a humble beach cottage, much like its neighbours, the home is an inspired renovation that reinterprets the beach house vernacular along the north coast of New South Wales. Fraser Mudge Architects made considered additions to the residence, while We Are Triibe thoughtfully modernised the interior.

Walking through the home, the spaces are dominated by warm materials and a minimalistic, pared-back palette.

The brief called for a family home with an unconventional but small building footprint. The house is restructured to create separate zones and welcome constant connections to the outdoors. Half-levels were added above and below the existing split-level home, now consisting of four floors connected via a central staircase. Each half-level connects to a series of gardens, including a roof garden and garden void, meaning the entirety of the interior links to nature in some way. The ensuite in the main bedroom fully opens to the outside, with adjustable hinged timber screens replacing windows and doors to directly connect to the roof garden.

Walking through the home, the spaces are dominated by warm materials and a minimalistic, pared-back palette. Timber from the facade extends inside; a timber staircase and joinery in the living room and kitchen creates a cocooning feel, while wooden feature walls in some rooms are reminiscent of a 1970s beach shack, a subtle nod to the home’s past. The raw, neutral quality of wood is complemented by polished concrete flooring, colourful mosaic tiles in the respective bathrooms and a mustard custom sofa from The Dusty Road, imbuing a retro feel that injects the perfect amount of drama to the space.

The encompassing atmosphere of the dwelling is calm, laid-back and moody.

The encompassing atmosphere of the dwelling is calm, laid-back and moody. It is light filled; the garden void and roof garden allow winter sun to pass over the single-storey kitchen wing and into the space. Meanwhile, considered contrasts – between neutral and vibrant, light and dark, openness and retreat – add depth to the visual aesthetic.

While connecting to the moods, textures and hues of coastal living, Brunswick Heads Residence offers a sense of escape. The result is a dynamic, contemporary family home that perfectly responds to its beachside locale.

Architecture by Fraser Mudge Architects. Interior design by Fraser Mudge Architects with We Are Triibe. Build by Morada Build. Landscape design by Cooke Landscape Architecture. Lighting design by LO-FI. Engineering by Philip Wallace.