Ebb and Flow – Beck Street by Lineburg Wang

Dictated by the flood-prone condition of the site, a horizontal datum line defines functional elements of Beck Street, becoming a key element of the design language as well as a response to a specific challenge. With a pragmatic yet refined approach, Lineburg Wang creates a sense of balance throughout the home.

Reminiscent of the traditional Queenslander in certain parts, Beck Street is a modern interpretation of elevated living as a means to live with the environmental conditions of the area. Sitting within a high flooding zone, the main home and habitable areas had to be elevated above a certain level to ensure a reduced impact. The response sees the lower level carve a series of warm brick supporting anchor structures for the home to sit upon, while also providing amenity in their own right. The interconnection of masonry parts on the lower level creates dedicated outdoor space, with its undercover nature making it ideal for use throughout the year. Lineburg Wang combines a crafted warmth together with a soft lightness in working within challenging parameters.

While the home feels concealed and shut off from the street as it sits behind a trellis façade, from the inside it is anything but – rather it is open, engaging and connected to its place.

Subtropical climates such as this mean homes often need to extend the liveable elements well beyond the building boundary. Beck Street does this not just through outward spread but over multiple levels. Balancing an open and operable nature, the house is comprised of numerous layers that allow an organic ebb and flow – where water can pass through and engage with the architecture and leave as needed. Solid elements that open up to allow air and water through then become seating elements within the garden and for entertaining. The permeability of the façade also allows for passive air flow and ventilation, ensuring an inhabitants can live comfortably and sustainably in place, naturally with the elements. While the home feels concealed and shut off from the street as it sits behind a trellis façade, from the inside it is anything but – rather it is open, engaging and connected to its place.

Although functional, the brick under croft area becomes experimental and playful as it tapers off into the garden and transitions from being purely structural into being sculptural. The soft amber colours of the brick form a warming base for the home and sit in contrast to the muted greys, whites and timber used on the upper level and the greens of the surrounding gardens.

Although functional, the brick under croft area becomes experimental and playful as it tapers off into the garden and transitions from being purely structural into being sculptural.

Lineburg Wang utilises a considered level of craft to propose a home that connects to the surrounding context and lineage of homes in the area. Through a considered approach, functional requirements are transformed into key and definable features of the resulting home.