Protective Enclosure – Oyster Bay by MCK Architects

As a replacement dwelling for a beloved site, Oyster Catcher expands on an already established connection to place and an appreciation of the natural offering. MCK Architects ensures a continued legacy remains between its owners and the surrounds and, through a simplified and open approach, the form engages the elements.

In matching the casual lifestyle of its location in Callala Beach, Oyster Catcher sees the reimagining of a dwelling, embedding references to surrounding intricacies. As a replacement for the original home, the proposal combines the owners’ love of the area and an understanding of the climate. In its beachfront siting, the new form sits openly connected towards the ocean, acting as a place of connection yet retreat from the elements. MCK Architects draws from the traditional vernacular of the area whilst elevating details in their resolve, ensuring Oyster Catcher is a considered and holistic insertion.

MCK Architects draws from the traditional vernacular of the area whilst elevating details in their resolve, ensuring Oyster Catcher is a considered and holistic insertion.

Having outgrown the previous home, the new iteration captures both an increased overall footprint for the clients and a representation of the surrounding area. The project features several courtyard spaces that provide inner protective outdoor areas, increasing access to natural ventilation and sunlight across the seasons. Allowing the form to open and engage with incoming winds and solar gains ensures a reduced reliance on energy, whilst also allowing the home to be immersed in the experiential elements of the natural surrounds.

From a respectful methodology, the inserted form aims to sit with a minimal environmental impact. The deliberately tilted roof silhouette further references the foredunes. The immediate landscape provides a softening buffer between the built and the natural, with the home echoing the tonality from the coast, ensuring it feels like a natural extension of what existed there prior. The expressed linear nature of the home, together with the paring back of ornateness, ensures the structure encourages a similar reduction in pace.

Having outgrown the previous home, the new iteration captures both an increased overall footprint for the clients and a representation of the surrounding area.

Oyster Catcher embodies an effortless through materiality, highlighting the intentional wearing in place whilst being able to be opened to engage the landscape. Aiming to accommodate fluctuating visitors throughout the year, MCK Architects ensures the resulting home is robust yet inviting, producing a restful experience among the stunning landscape.