A Refined Oasis – Somers Beach House by Wellard Architects

With Somers Beach House, Wellard Architects delivers an intergenerational family home that flows over stacked living levels, giving the owners ample space for themselves as well as visiting family. Located along the beachfront, the home is formed from a holistic design approach and a refined material palette that offers the owners a sense of oasis living.

Experienced throughout the architecture and interior design of Somers Beach House, how the owners live and enjoy the mundaneness of everyday life is enhanced by employing a sensible design approach. Linked together by an external staircase, the two forms built on top of one another allow the two primary users to either live independently or shut down one half of the house when not in use. With ample space for entertaining, a retreat-like inner atmosphere and connection with the surrounds, Somers Beach House exemplifies the finest of beachfront living.

With ample space for entertaining, a retreat-like inner atmosphere and connection with the surrounds, Somers Beach House exemplifies the finest of beachfront living.

Contained on the upper level of Somers Beach House are the primary living, kitchen and dining zones, along with the main bedroom and bathroom that offer advantageous views out to the bay. Additionally, a lap pool is placed to the western side of the house on the same level as the primary living space. Centred around an established banksia tree, the lap pool allows for the owners to swim out and enjoy further views of the landscape and ocean beyond. On the lower level, Wellard Architects has designed an additional living space, kitchenette and additional three bedrooms for guests.

To complement the home’s rear yard, an existing 1950s boatshed was rebuilt and remodelled to the same footprint and dimensions of the original structure. Serving as a miniature version of the main home, the boatshed gives the owners a space to find respite as they look over the ocean. Furthermore, Somers Beach House is finished with an easy garden path that leads directly down to the garden by Fiona Brockhoff Design and then out towards the beach.

Employed to work together, the home’s timber exterior and rendered retaining walls add a unique character that complements the beachfront landscape without taking away from it.

With the employment of Blackbutt timber, stone, concrete and cabinetry in several different finishes of soft silver greys and soft greens, Wellard Architects has allowed the views to shine throughout the interior design. Moreover, the timber batten screens over the exterior both enable the home to be shut down when not in occupation and bring a level of shadow play that changes as the sun moves. Employed to work together, the home’s timber exterior and rendered retaining walls add a unique character that complements the beachfront landscape without taking away from it.

Becoming a steadfast structure in its beachfront location, Somers Beach House by Wellard Architects communicates a love for coastal living. A desire to connect with the natural environment and foster a social environment within informs the layout and material palette of the resulting home.