Albatross House by BDA Architecture

Celebrating Palm Springs architecture in a coastal context, Albatross House is characterised by clean lines and considered materiality. Crafted by BDA Architecture, the contemporary home speaks to the enduring appeal of mid-century modern style.

Located in the Gold Coast suburb of Mermaid Beach, mere steps from the shore, Albatross House offers views as far as Surfer’s Paradise and Coolangatta Beach. The expansive project sees three floors and a basement enclosed by mid-century modern architecture reminiscent of structures found in Palm Springs. Presenting smooth contours and geometric shapes, the home flows towards the natural landscape, encouraging residents to engage with nature. Internally, the sweeping lines of the building form grand indications of space. The chosen design style, enhanced by concrete, steel, stone and timber elements, effortlessly reflects the vibrant residing family.

Presenting smooth contours and geometric shapes, the home flows towards the natural landscape, encouraging residents to engage with nature.

A landscaped front courtyard sits between Albatross House and the street, allowing the experience of the home to begin with nature. Lush and subtropical, the landscape design incorporates a pandanus palm and raised planters, with the latter establishing a ‘living facade.’ Residents enter the house by a raised platform at the side of the building and are immediately met with an open-plan space – a key feature of mid-century modern homes – leading to a lift, stairs, study and living-kitchen-dining area. Practical spaces such as a mudroom, walk-in pantry and powder room are discreetly tucked behind the kitchen. Upstairs, the first floor accommodates the children’s bedrooms, a family bathroom and laundry space, while the top floor is dedicated to a master suite and lounge.

Throughout Albatross House, BDA Architecture embraces mid-century modern design, emphasising natural light, airiness and connection to the outdoors. A double-height space carved into the core of the building enables northern sunlight to illuminate the ground floor – it also increases ventilation and promotes spatial connectivity. In addition, the living-kitchen-dining area is directly linked to a covered terrace spanning the width of the home. While the interior design showcases an inviting combination of engineered timber flooring, wool carpet and striking marble, the exterior references the immediate surrounds with smooth render, natural stone and timber. The material selection embodies both modern elegance and organic warmth, echoing the harmonious relationship between man-made structures and the coastal environment.

A landscaped front courtyard sits between Albatross House and the street, allowing the experience of the home to begin with nature.

Though championing a mid-century modern style foundation, Albatross House is contemporary in the sense that it relates familiar forms to a unique environment. Using a timeless visual palette of clean lines and simple geometries, BDA Architecture creates a home that is seamlessly connected to the Mermaid Beach landscape.

Architecture and interior design by BDA Architecture. Build by Mactech Constructions. Landscape design by JSW Landscapes & Design.