Torquay is a township in Victoria, Australia – as it is famous for its surf beaches, it becomes quite clear that we are talking about one of the most perfect spots in the world to have a beach house… Torquay House reflects this outstanding environment for both surf and beach lovers.
A two-story building is carefully positioned on the sand presenting a peculiar formal composition: three volumes stand in a parallel position creating intermediate spaces that allow the necessary privacy for inhabitants and visitors.
The distribution of the program follows this dynamic relation between interior and exterior: social areas are disposed on the ground floor while private spaces are reserved for the first floor. A stone pavement leads our steps onto the front door placed in one of the intermediate spaces, a void between two of the three volumes that compose this beautiful coastal home.
The first one conceals the garage and a winter room; the second volume assumes an important role in the functioning of this beach house, working as the distribution area. An open kitchen with an exterior space for barbecue is separated from the central corridor by the staircase that guides to the upper floor. A study room, a small toilet and storage space complete the second volume on the ground floor. Last, but definitely not least, the third volume where living and dining areas are concentrated in a single space, extending the interior space to a terrace and a magnificent pool.
The first floor respects the volumetric distribution of the program: the first volume is reserved to the master bedroom while the second has two identical bedrooms each one with its own bathroom. Wood and concrete clad the facades of Torquay House in order to resist the harsh coastal climate… Interior spaces are balanced by white painted walls and ceilings. Only pavements present a distinctive difference: smooth concrete for the ground floor and wood for the first floor. All seems to be perfectly set to enjoy a remarkable holiday in Victoria, Australia.
Architects: Wolveridge Architects
Photography: Derek Swalwell
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