Considered Coastal – Seachange House by Solomon Troup

Expressing a permanent move for its owners, Seachange House sees the shaping of a coastally appropriate residence to maintain visual connections to the surrounds from all rooms within. Solomon Troup balances efficiencies within a modest framework to integrate a passive and sensitive response to site, offering a complementary addition to the streetscape.

With its locale having grown in popularity over recent years, Seachange House within Barwon Heads needed to sit both appropriately within the surrounds and positively add to the rhythm of the streetscape. As recent trends have seen the coastal town become the ideal area to downsize, the existing timber homes typical of the location are being replaced by more contemporary counterparts. In this time of change and increased density, reminders of the history of the area remain, but modern architecture is becoming more and more pronounced. As a considered contribution, Solomon Troup finds an approach that combines contemporary liveability with the casual nature of living by the sea.

As a considered contribution, Solomon Troup finds an approach that combines contemporary liveability with the casual nature of living by the sea.

The home allows for a considered integration within its context, referencing the existing timber shacks and the proportions of adjacent homes in its own series of stacked cubes. Acknowledging the austerity of the existing post-war remnants, the approach is conceived with restraint and as a low maintenance structure that connects outward. As a key directive from the owners, the house needed to feel visually bound to the landscape and feature views out from every room. With the owners having moved from a larger rural property, maintaining an openness was key.

Wrapped in vertical timber battens, the regulated forms are screened from passers-by and encase the exterior as a combined entity. From within, the diffused incoming light can be controlled by mechanically operated fins, allowing the home to be naturally ventilated and deflect unwanted solar gains as needed. With most of the residence sitting on the lower

Acknowledging the austerity of the existing post-war remnants, the approach is conceived with restraint and as a low maintenance structure that connects outward.

Balancing private and public elements, Seachange House aims to be a considered contribution to the changing face of Barwon Heads. Solomon Troup focuses on the natural to shape the home and engage beyond the built edge.