Shorebird by Those Architects

Enclosed by buildings yet open to the elements, Shorebird by Those Architects defies its suburban Sydney setting. Although nestled between neighbouring homes, the beachside dwelling maximises light, air and privacy through an array of thoughtfully designed architectural interventions.

Offering uninterrupted vistas of Bate Bay, Shorebird establishes a dialogue with its immediate surroundings by embracing nature. Co-founder and director Ben Mitchell explains that the location set the stage for the architecture. “The site already had the ingredients for something special,” he says.

The ground floor opens seamlessly to blend with the seascape, adorned with coastal tones, lush pocket gardens, and glass doors that dissolve boundaries between the interior and exterior.

Due to spatial limitations, the home was designed vertically rather than horizontally. As co-founder and director Simon Addinall notes, “the first move was to ‘pinch’ the long sides of the house to subtly vary the internal space and create room for verdant gardens.”

The slimmed-down structure maximises natural light and ventilation. By the same token, Those Architects carved out a courtyard to the north that is exposed to the sky. “This striking void floods the interior with natural light and provides a focal point, separating the main and secondary living spaces,” says Mitchell. The ground floor opens seamlessly to blend with the seascape, adorned with coastal tones, lush pocket gardens and glass doors that dissolve boundaries between the interior and exterior. Moreover, it mirrors the natural sloping topography, integrating steps that follow the site’s contours.

While emphasising a strong connection to the outdoors, the architects were diligent in preserving privacy.

While emphasising a strong connection to the outdoors, the architects were diligent in preserving privacy. They minimised openings on the street-facing facade while maximising them on the beach-facing facade. “There’s a clear distinction between the western and eastern ends of the house,” says Addinall. Recessed openings for a children’s playroom and upper-level bedroom, combined with limited windows on the western facade, effectively shield from direct sunlight. In contrast, the courtyard boasts extensive glazing on all sides, fostering natural light and integrating with the lush garden. Smaller openings on the sides are strategically placed to encourage cross-ventilation and increase sunlight penetration.

The material palette was chosen not only for its durability but also as a homage to the shoreline. “As a location exposed to ocean winds and heavy salt, it was important to prioritise robust options,” notes Mitchell. Smoothly finished sandstone blocks grace the vertical surfaces, complemented by exposed horizontal touches of concrete for contrast. Anodised aluminium frames adorn the doors and windows, while limestone flooring and rough-rendered landscape walls add to the textural diversity. Inside, layers of warmth are provided by blackbutt timber, marble accents and soft linens.

The material palette was chosen not only for its durability but also as a homage to the shoreline.

Plenty of natural light and ventilation harmonise with thermal mass, solar panels and large water tanks, ensuring the house embodies robust, passive design principles. Additionally, native salt-tolerant plants lower water consumption in the landscaping. Shorebird is distinguished by its thoughtful layout, understated privacy and breathtaking beachside vistas, honouring both people and place in equal measure.

Architecture and interior design by Those Architects. Build by Studio Constructions. Landscape design by Exterior Architecture and Urban Jungle.