Mossman by Shaun Lockyer Architects

Mossman by Shaun Lockyer Architects is a family home that provides its owners a sanctuary from their busy lifestyle. Delivered through the simplicity in which the materials come together, the home provides deep connections to outside and encourages a connection between indoor and outdoor living.

Located in Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast, Mossman plays with shadows and texture across its interior and exterior. The exterior architecture allows dappled light filtering through the branches of the Maluleka trees that adorn the northern edge of the property inside. Further defining the character of the home, the timber screen adds a playful character and charm to the form.

Transitioning from the entry into the primary living space, a sense of openness, transparency and ambiguity exists in the way interior and exterior spaces connect.

The home is positioned on a north-fronting river system that leads out to Lake Cootharaba before going on to the everglades and out to the ocean. Due to this, the residence is imbued with a special connection to water and creates a one-of-a-kind living experience for the owners. At the front of the house, Shaun Lockyer Architects has deliberately created a reductive and solid facade. The front door, which is characterised by one black aperture in an otherwise timber facade, leads through into a double-height space that transforms the way one understands and experiences the internal character.

Transitioning from the entry into the primary living space, a sense of openness, transparency and ambiguity exists in the way interior and exterior spaces connect. This is further reinforced with the chosen material for the floor, which is an exterior tile used internally so that the owners and their guests are pulled out into the environment. Creating a sense of living under a tapestry of timber, light and texture in a single space, Shaun Lockyer Architects’ design allows the owners to feel like they are occupying the landscape and connecting to the river beyond.

Creating a sense of living under a tapestry of timber, light and texture in a single space, Shaun Lockyer Architects’ design allows the owners to feel like they are occupying the landscape and connecting to the river beyond.

The central staircase provides a degree of animation and character to the house. Similarly, there is a striking contrast between the shadowed voids and frameless skylights that reinforce the home’s connection to the outside. However, the predominate material of the home is the broadform concrete used on the walls that connects to the timber used throughout the home. Upstairs, there is a bridge space on the second level that transitions to the west where the kid’s wing exists with bedrooms and a living room. Further to the west is the main bedroom. Created to be both indoor and outdoor, the main room is defined by the blackbutt timber screen that helps to control light and privacy.

For Shaun Lockyer Architects, every project is a team effort and the architect acknowledges the clients who demonstrated extraordinary faith and trust throughout the design process. Through a combined effort that also included JW Constructions, Conlon Group and Hong Henwood Design, Mossman becomes a dream home for the clients who desired an oasis-like escape from their busy lives.

Architecture and interior design by Shaun Lockyer Architects. Build by JW Constructions.  Landscape architecture by Conlon Group.