Located on the southern headland of Avalon Beach on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Surfside House is a dwelling of substance, discovery and tactility. The form balances solidity with transparency, opening to the northern aspect and oblique views while providing refuge within massive sandstone block walls. The plan consists of three skewed parallelograms, responding to the angled lot boundaries and building to the front setback to maximise the views of the ocean whilst freeing the rest of the double block for landscaped areas.

The design addresses the street with a transparent concrete bridge that reveals the depth of the block and the distant western ridgeline. External living areas engage with the beachside street, which is located on a popular pedestrian coastal route.  The bridge houses an elevated enclosed verandah, screened by angled terrazzo blades which enable beach views while providing a level of privacy and cutting out early and late summer sun. Below an open verandah captures summer breezes across a reflection pond.

 A cathedral like double height stone circulation space glows when lit by the western sun. A retention pond at the bottom of the site captures stormwater and surface runoff while providing refuge for water plants, fish, frogs and a resident heron. The house is built from a restrained palette of materials that will endure the surfside location and weather beautifully over time. It is superbly crafted with meticulous details that invite touch. The generous, enthusiastic and always positive owners inspired everyone who worked on this project to excel.