Torquay House

by Eldridge Anderson Anderson Architects

True to form Eldridge Anderson Architects have combined simplistic minimalism with delightfully intricate detailing to deliver a modernist residential family home in the picturesque coastal town of Torquay, Victoria.

The project is located on the Torquay Esplanade with wide-ranging coastal views over the ocean, including Fishermans Beach and Point Danger. The house responds to the streetscape but presents a sharp edge to the esplanade and onshore winds.  Gently pitching to the north-west the roof allows sun deep into the upper level, while taking in the coastline and projecting views over the bay.

The design avoids unnecessary shape making, and endeavours to honour the view not though elaborate gestures, but as a composed elevation with an affinity for the horizon and the ocean that stretches out in its reflection.

The creation a home that maximised views of the natural surroundings whilst fitting in with the laid back character of Torquay.

The edge of the canopy cuts along the esplanade elongating the proportion of the house and providing a sense of protection through the depth and shape of its silhouette whilst carefully supporting a 90 panel photovoltaic system.

Eldridge Anderson Architects have combined simplistic minimalism with delightfully intricate detailing to deliver a modernist residential family home.

It is a substantial house, and one of the achievements for the project was uniting the ambitions from the brief into a cohesive scheme that does not dominate nor shy away. Keen to make the most of the location there were also a number of prerequisites from the owners including substantial upper level glazing, glass balustrades, concrete first floor construction, and a stately sense of space and accommodation. It became evident the challenge was to synthesise these ambitions into a purposeful and cohesive piece of architecture, whilst balancing the scale and exposure of the spaces. It was also a great opportunity for us to test our design philosophy and approach at this larger or more substantial end of the spectrum.

The linear floor plan stretches through a set of defined structural bays. Lower level spaces were designed to promote a sense of privacy and refuge through the integration of honed masonry, concrete ceilings and blackwood panel. This helps to balance the openness of the upper level where a generous open living area is revealed within a finer structural format.

Lower level rooms promote a sense of refuge and privacy through the integration of honed masonry, concrete ceilings and blackbutt panel.

The upstairs bathroom space features significant amounts of natural light that create a bright and cheery mood within a place of true relaxation and reflection. The large soaking tub allows occupants to recharge in complete privacy.

The bedroom spaces are simplistic yet charming. The dark colour palate used in the bedrooms epitomises the grey and moody undertones of a cold winter’s morning on the Victorian coastline.

The upper level reveals a generous open living area with a finer structural format and floating roof.

The materials remain consistent throughout the project, and contrast between levels has been enhanced through careful consideration of scale, light and texture between these zones.  The circulation of the house has also been coordinated to promote a graduated sense of privacy and release between areas and along paths.  The depth of space becomes equally important for privacy at the upper level, where utility areas are concealed along the rear of the plan and open through internal spaces to reinforce the ocean aspect.

The orientation of the home allows occupants to bask in the natural beauty of the coastline as they are treated to projected views over the bay.

The dark colour palate used in the bedrooms epitomises the grey and moody undertones of a cold winter’s morning on the Victorian coastline.

Externally the steel work and construction has been expertly fabricated and erected to further enhance the refinement and finesse of the canopy over the durable masonry base. Fine external tallowwood screens at the rear also offer tactility and privacy to the robust palette.

Fine external tallowwood screens and panels offer tactility and privacy to the robust palette.

The kitchen design features a mixture of timber and concrete elements. Once again the minimalistic elegance of the home is projected through the kitchen space. Intricate storage solutions mean that everything has its place in the social fulcrum of the residential structure.

The understated, yet elegant, Torquay House by Eldridge Anderson Architects features all the characteristics and stylings of modernist design whilst maintaining the unique charm of traditionalist Australian coastal architecture. The team at Eldridge Anderson has ultimately created a laid back residential space that maximises the spectacular surroundings of the Victorian coastline.

The Torquay House by Eldridge Anderson Architects uses contemporary design to maximise stunning views of the iconic Australian coast line.