Collaroy
Beach Shack
Alterations + additions
Alterations · Unbuilt
At the top of a cul-de-sac, a beach cottage sits on a steep, narrow block with an ocean outlook framed by palms.
The design retains its relaxed character while reworking the living spaces and introducing an elevated rear balcony.
The project balances the opportunities of the view with difficult access, changing ground levels and close neighbours.
01 / THE BRIEF & OVERVIEW
PROJECT DETAILS
Client: Private Location: Collaroy, Northern Beaches, NSW Project Type: Alterations + additions Status: Built Scope: Architectural design, development application & construction documentation
A familiar cottage, with more room to live.
The clients wanted to make more of the ocean outlook while preserving the character of their beach cottage.
The brief included a new main bedroom and ensuite, reworked kitchen, dining and living spaces, and a rear balcony for entertaining.
Bringing light into darker parts of the home and maintaining privacy were central considerations.
02 / EXISTING + CONCEPT
The existing cottage is defined by compact living spaces and a steep, challenging site.
The kitchen and living areas show the home’s original layout, while the garden access and changes in level reveal the constraints around moving through and using the site.
These existing conditions informed the design approach: retain the cottage’s character while opening up the living spaces and creating a stronger connection to the outdoors and ocean outlook.
Early design phase plan sketches
Open to the outlook
Living and entertaining spaces are arranged to make more of the ocean views.
Connected to the outdoors
An elevated rear balcony extends the living space towards the palms and coastal setting.
Considered privacy
Screening balances the open outlook with the proximity of neighbouring homes.
Living spaces that lead to the view.
The design retains the front portion of the cottage and reworks the accommodation beyond it.
The plan brings the kitchen, dining and living areas into a closer relationship with the rear balcony, alongside a new main bedroom and ensuite.
03 / PLANS & SECTIONS
An addition shaped by the hillside.
The section shows how the home and its elevated outdoor spaces respond to the steep terrain. Levels, retaining structures and construction access all need to be considered alongside the architecture.
The aim is to make a demanding site feel comfortable to live in, with a clear relationship between the retained cottage, the additions and the outlook.
04 / MATERIAL PALETTE
A restrained coastal palette.
White weatherboards, simple gabled forms and fine screening connect the character of the beach cottage with its additions.
Palms and surrounding greenery soften the architecture and remain part of the home's coastal setting.
White coastal tones
A light, consistent palette draws the original cottage and new work together.
Weatherboards & gables
Familiar forms and textures retain a connection to the beach shack's character.
Fine screening
Slender screening introduces privacy while keeping the exterior light in appearance.
05 / THE PROJECT
Coastal living, shaped by the site.
The finished home settles into the steep, planted hillside with a light coastal expression.
White weatherboards, a simple metal roof and slender vertical screening give the long elevation rhythm while providing shade and privacy.
The elevated verandah keeps the house connected to its garden and opens it towards the ocean beyond.
Inside, the vaulted ceiling follows the gabled roof form and brings a generous sense of height to the main living space.
Full-width glazing frames the coastline, draws natural light deep into the interior and allows the living and dining areas to flow directly onto the terrace.
06 / BEHIND THE PROJECT
Explore the plans, model and video.
The drawings and model explore the relationship between the retained cottage, reconfigured rooms and elevated outdoor living spaces. An early scheme also explored a garage at the street boundary.
