A Beachside Retreat– Anglesea House by Archiblox

Anglesea House sets out to create a relaxing seaside escape from the city for a young family. Designed and built by Archiblox, the project is made up of nine bespoke prefabricated modules that were implemented in just two days on site.

The brief was for a home that could be built in a short space of time, while adhering to a strong design ethos and client values. The home was designed with careful consideration to avoid oversized and wasted spaces, opting instead for spacious communal living areas and separate bedroom zoning for privacy and reflection. The modular design allowed for full customisation, as well as time-efficient construction, as per the client’s brief. The clients’ narrative was for beach side living for generations to come and the result is a family home built for the needs of the 21st century. Indoor-outdoor living spaces are encouraged, inviting possibilities for entertaining.

Externally, a striking cantilevered balcony welcomes guests, introducing unexpected pockets of shade across the front yard, while offering abundant views from the top floor. A cleverly hidden garage further emphasises the seamless aesthetic, ensuring few visual distractions distract from the prominent balcony and timber features. Over time, these timbers will weather to create a rustic, silvered look in keeping with the home’s relaxed coastal location.

Designed and built by Archiblox, the project is made up of nine bespoke prefabricated modules that were implemented in just two days on site.

Inside, a neutral colour palette accentuates the natural timbers used throughout the project, allowing for a luxurious, yet low maintenance, finish. This was a conscious decision by the owners, so that they can enjoy the space, while accounting for the needs of a young family. The exclusion of architraves and skirting boards further reinforces the clean, minimalistic objective, complementing the clients’ desire for a modern beach escape.

The owners placed a great deal of emphasis on the garden, which was designed by landscape architect by Fiona Brockhoff and installed by Ocean Road landscapes. The well-conceived garden is abundant in indigenous plant species, reflecting the local natural flora and attracting local animals and birdlife. The clients were eager for the coastal-inspired garden to be a place where they could relax and enjoy the natural beauty, while also keeping their young family entertained. Therefore, the backyard includes a swimming pool, in-ground trampoline and hard-wearing buffalo lawn.

Introducing indigenous plant species reflects the owners’ desire to improve the environmental sustainability of the project. This commitment to sustainability is also realised in the use of sustainably sourced timbers in the façade, and in the addition of a substantial underground water tank to collect rainwater.

This modern beach home takes full advantage of its location to provide a thoroughly entertaining property for a young family. Completely bespoke designed to client specifications while only taking two days to implement on site, Anglesea House dispels the notion that a truly unique piece of architecture needs to be laborious in its construction.

Externally, a striking cantilevered balcony welcomes guests, introducing unexpected pockets of shade across the front yard, while offering abundant views from the top floor

This modern beach home takes full advantage of its location to provide a thoroughly entertaining property for a young family.