Calming Resilience – Cooma Terrace Townhouses by Open Architecture Studio and Jasper Brown Architects in Association
Responding through a contemporary lens to neighbouring natural sandstone forms, Cooma Terrace Townhouses are an interplay of curved and linear elements. Jasper Brown Architects and Open Architecture Studio combine to propose a series of calming and resilient gestures.
Rising vertically across its site, Cooma Terrace Townhouses are a series of four aligned homes, spread generously over their three respective levels in the Sunshine Coast’s Caloundra. Standing as an ideal reflector of light, the architectural forms take material and formal cues from their surrounds, be that through subtle textural elements or the incorporation of a natural colour palette. Commenting on the human-made amongst its enviable and natural setting, each residence openly embraces ventilation and sunlight, while the façade’s carvings create moments of pause and protection from the coastal milieu. Together, Jasper Brown Architects and Open Architecture Studio bring a bold confidence while using softening and muted tones.
Developed by Arcadian Developments and built by BA Murphy Constructions, Cooma Terrace Townhouses respond both to the natural and the built surrounding contexts. Contemporary clean lines maximise the footprint of each home, whilst the introduction of curved and more organic features introduce a welcomed sense of balance. Although vertically stacked, each home occupies an area similar to the average family home but on a more concentrated and efficient density scale. Generous double-height volumes further enhance the sense of scale and create a connection beyond the built edge, permitting natural light to provide warmth and sunlight within the home. Balconies then allow the indoor lived experience to spill out externally. The sun animates the interior throughout the day by creating a patterned articulation using the building’s façade.
Looking to the nearby coast, the fine granule-nature of sand inspires subtlety in the homes’ chosen materiality, while the water inspires an openness and clarity. Light natural timber engages with white plaster; open and large glazing elements act as core bases for the homes. Soft additions of colour and texture produce pops of personality, giving dynamic expression within each space. The open living plan is doused with the most natural light, while the more recessive areas respond in a more concealed manner. Muted neutrals are combined with polished concrete, cementing the homes to endure beyond their years.