Jan Juc House by Eldridge Anderson Architects

Drawing inspiration from the traditional Australian beach house typology, Jan Juc House by Eldridge Anderson Architects replaces an existing lightweight coastal form and blends seamlessly into the surrounding context.

Idyllically located, Jan Juc House takes advantage of views out toward the coast and cliffs in the distance and the established scrub landscape that it sits amid. With an existing beach house already on the site, the owners wanted to create a more permanent and deliberate home for their coming retirement years, ensuring the house reflected them and how they wanted to live and engage with the surroundings. Looking to the typical residences in the area, the proposal seeks to further explore what it is to live coastally in Australia, connecting both to the origins of the site and integrating the innovation and convenience of a more modern offering.

Idyllically located, Jan Juc House takes advantage of views out toward the coast and cliffs in the distance and the established scrub landscape that it sits amid.

Emerging from an analysis of the existing built context and the core values that align with coastal living, a minimalist approach underpinned the project. The resulting home navigates the sloping terrain, with the dual levels allowing for optimised outlooks and a natural hierarchy of function across the site. Designed to accommodate retirement living, the house serves as a peaceful retreat, providing comfort in all seasons. The upper level is tailored for the homeowners, offering spacious living areas and bedrooms, while the lower level provides flexibility for guests and separated privacy as needed.

From the outset, the feeling of openness needed to be expressed, with a generous double-height deck space forming the entry to the home. In setting the tone for what is to come, there is a warmth created through the materials applied throughout, with the clear openness and considered use of glazing ensuring it is the location that gathers attention. Being immersed amid such a natural setting also brings a calmness and simplicity, which is then highlighted in the clarity in detailing and custom-designed joinery. The quietening and slowing of pace is felt from the entry, with natural light and ventilation passively tempering and illuminating the home.

Looking to the typical residences in the area, the proposal seeks to further explore what it is to live coastally in Australia, connecting both to the origins of the site and integrating the innovation and convenience of a more modern offering.

As a private hideaway, Jan Juc House is the ideal residence for the owners to position themselves within for the coming years. Eldridge Anderson Architects creates a safe sanctuary immersed in yet protected from the harsh climatic conditions of the coast.

Architecture and interior design by Eldridge Anderson Architects. Build by John Mercer Builders. Landscape design by Simon Taylor Landscape Design.