An Intuitive Insertion – Bermagui Beach House by Winter Architecture
Absorbing its surrounds, Bermagui Beach House proposes a sensitive insertion among its soft coastal setting. Winter Architecture engages with the story of place and the active role architecture plays within the landscape, orienting the structure as a functional contributor.
Taking form across its clifftop site, Bermagui Beach House opens to the outward views of the coast and the known Blue Pools in the distance, drinking in its elevated positioning. Having become familiar with the site over multiple years, the owners wanted to ensure that their proposal sat in harmony with what already existed, whilst still allowing them to feel immersed within the landscape and protected from the elements. Acknowledging the privilege of the site and the opportunities it afforded, Winter Architecture ensured that the response was born out of respect, allowing for a continued immersion over time. Cloaking the home in a skin of timber and glass, Winter Architecture deliberately emboldens a greying in the years to come.
Bermagui Beach House sees the placement of form offer a sense of engagement with the site. The immediate environment called for less formality – which is traditionally established by regular and linear structures – inviting Bermagui Beach House to become a series of connected outdoor areas tapering out into the naturally occurring landscape. The transition allows for a softening of the edges of the building and reinterprets the idea of what a bounding edge can be, rejecting the customary fence traditionally used to encase homes. Winter Architecture encourages, instead, movement between inside and out, creating an approachable streetscape interaction.
Spread over multiple levels, the forms can be opened, bringing with them natural ventilation and access to solar gains throughout the year. Being able to live in such a naturally rich environment called for an equally respectful engagement with the terrain and existing ecosystem. The established tonality and muted nature of the exterior is brought inside to complete the cohesive approach and bind the experience of the home from every aspect. With varying moments for retreat, glazing plays a vital role as a reminder of the surrounds, truly grounding the form in place.
Intended to coexist harmoniously with the landscape, Bermagui Beach House pays homage to the area and its enviable site. Through absorbing the tones and palette of the existing elements in place, Winter Architecture ensures the insertion feels like a natural extension.
