Coastal Calm – Margate House by Tecture

Celebrating elements of coastal and urban architecture, Margate House references and combines raw, calming tones, culminating in a layered family home that feels subdued and settled in place. Tecture draws inspiration from surrounding dwellings to craft a relaxing coastal home retreat for the LA-based couple.

Tucked behind established trees, Margate House is a humble abode that is both light and open. Located in Barwon Heads, the house feels welcoming and warmly embraces the owners. As Sarah, one of the owners, grew up in the area, “it is a location that feels like home,” says Ben Robertson, Director of Tecture, “with extended family living literally over the back fence.” Based in Los Angeles, the owners departed their minimalist and highly curated residence in the United States, desiring a coastal retreat where they could relax, unwind and be near family. Drawing from this, Tecture instils a sense of immersion in Margate House through a contemporary approach founded in simplicity.

Based in Los Angeles, the owners departed their minimalist and highly curated residence in the United States, desiring a coastal retreat where they could relax, unwind and be near family.

As a place of rest and recharge, the home needed to capture the spirit of its locale. “The coastal location naturally provided inspiration for the materiality – sun bleached timbers, sand-toned brick and concrete render flow from outside to inside,” says Ben. From the exterior, with grey timber boards lining the form, the silhouette of the gabled roof feels suitable for the location. A similar neutral palette is employed throughout the interiors, allowing the timber to naturally evoke a sense of warmth within. The furniture, art, objects and styling by Simone Haag also represent the unique expression of the owners.

As well as providing a sense of casual comfort, the architect integrates solidity into the fabric of the form. Furthermore, being able to transition easily across indoor-outdoor thresholds was key to the surrounds becoming part of the internal experience and daily rituals within. The landscape then helps to soften and buffer the building edges, seamlessly integrating the home with the natural surrounds as a result.

Being able to transition easily across indoor-outdoor thresholds was key to the surrounds becoming part of the internal experience and daily rituals within.

Flow and connection remain integral throughout Margate House and across the site. Considering the location as well as the owners’ unique connection to the area, Tecture crafts a contemporary coastal retreat grounded in place.