The Whale Beach House is a multi-generational family weekender organised over three levels that terrace with the slope. Whale Beach House is located in the south-east fold of a steep, thickly vegetated hillside, below a towering escarpment, and looks out along the beach to Careel Head. Whale Beach House designed by Neeson Murcutt Architects. The project explores proximity and distance, invoking the special dualities of the site – the rock outcrops and native forest behind are given equal consideration to the front coastal panorama. Each room is considered almost autonomously, coordinated with site and view. Outdoor living spaces at each level are equally varied – house and landscape are integral.
The project demonstrates a holistic approach to sustainability – solar orientation, natural light, ventilation, efficient internal heating, materials choices, water collection, locally indigenous plantings and compact pool. The steeply sloping site was expensive to build on and the stormwater issues costly to resolve. The refined building detailing and landscaping were labour intensive, but felt by all parties to deliver enduring benefit. Via
