A design that brings a beach shack feel to a modern home

The corrugated colourbond and fibre cement sheeting of the exterior recall the Palm Cove beach shacks of old. Unlike the traditional shacks, however, the house boasts three levels, connected by a stair tower made of spotted gum, epoxy-coated steel balusters and stainless steel wire. The stair tower also forms the crossover point between the two 'pavilions' that make up the house.

The huge kitchen boasts a stone bench and the plentiful cupboard space that Alix and John set out in the initial brief as being an absolute necessity. This aspect of the brief proved the biggest challenge for James, but you'd never know from the finished result - the cupboards fit into the kitchen perfectly. 

A timber deck off the kitchen (and the sitting room at one end of the same space) blends seamlessly with these areas – an aspect of the design with which the owners are particularly happy. 

The floors of the interior are of beautiful polished timber, while the walls are clean-looking plasterboard. The central stairwell allows floods of light into the home, as do the numerous windows and the sliding glass doors leading to the deck.

Alix and John had significant input into the design, working with James to decide the final layout and choosing the colours and finishes themselves. They also advised about windows and that all-important cupboard space. Despite a minor regret about the size of the bedroom window, Alix and John are on the whole thrilled with their 'slick shack'.

James Maude

Studio Mango

What were you trying to achieve with your design of this dwelling?

An energy efficient, tropical home with living areas opening out to decks. The form and materials pay homage to old Palm Cove beach shacks in a modern way. The stair tower connects the three levels and the two pavilions are a bit of fun.

What were some of the challenges you encountered during the design process?

Fitting in enough cupboards for the client was a particular challenge.

Which part of the design do you think works well?

The living room, and the kitchen wall of cupboards is terrific and something I've always wanted to do.

Is there anything you would have done differently in retrospect?

I would have added extra space in the ensuite – it's lovely but just a bit small.

Why did you choose to take on this project?

They were interesting clients who liked our work and wanted something modern and tropical.

Alix and John

What was your vision for this project?

We wanted a house that was one part beach shack and one part modern home.

Did you have much input into the design?

Yes, we made decisions about final layout based on a number of options and also had input into details, such as window selection and of course cupboards. We chose the finishes and colours.

Which rooms or features of the new house do you love and why?

The living room and kitchen cupboards and bench. We love the cupboards because there is a place for everything. We also love the way the kitchen relates to the deck.

Is there anything you would change about the house if you had your time again?

The only thing we'd really like to change is that we'd make the bedroom window a bit bigger.