Reconnecting Narrative – Shack Attack by Insider Outsider and Amber Lenette

As a celebration of the familiar fibro sheeted form, Shack Attack sees the expansion and revision of an existing beach house in Rye. Insider Outsider and Amber Lenette join forces to breathe new life into the coastal home, expressing key features and a connection to the natural surrounds by opening and allowing flowing access with the elements.

Retaining the essence of the original home formed the core of the brief for the new works, ensuring that the extension was conceived as an evolution, rather than purely an addition to the original. As a signature of many coastal towns, the simplicity of the lightweight material cladding has become an expectation in some areas and continuing that lineage was key – the clients of Shack Attack wanted to preserve the original aspects of the home’s character as a key integrator of its past, as it moves towards its future. With architecture by Insider Outsider and styling by Amber Lenette, the team ensured the original charm and scale of the home were preserved, seeing the new works align as a complementary addition.

With the existing structure in need of a sense of clarity and cohesion, insertions ensure all the newly formed zones feel connected and are deliberately supportive of one another.

Optimising its position along the Mornington Peninsula, Shack Attack aims to positively add to an existing and solid framework. Originally built in the 1950s, the revision of the home ensures a fresh start for its residents – residents who initially purchased the home as a potential income source and swiftly made it into their permanent home. With the existing structure in need of a sense of clarity and cohesion, insertions ensure all the newly formed zones feel connected and are deliberately supportive of one another. Throughout, the personalities of the owners are expressed through a lively connection to the surrounding natural elements.

As the home sits among Moonah trees, the landscape plays a vital role in how the home operates and feels. Drawing on a focus of the elemental, fire, timber and stone are celebrated in various forms. Part of the uniqueness of the structure and what drew the clients here permanently was the relaxed nature of its setting and the return to base principles; bringing these elements into the spaces through the materiality, and arrangements that open and encourage gathering, all then connect back. Throughout, timber and stone add textural variation, creating interest and forming the basis for a palette of tonally similar, warm colours and finishes.

Throughout, timber and stone add textural variation, creating interest and forming the basis for a palette of tonally similar, warm colours and finishes.

Through a restoration and alteration of the existing, Insider Outsider ensures Shack Attack emerges as a considered and purposeful connection to place. Insider Outsider and Amber Lenette combine to craft a home of lasting character.