CUMMING PARADE House

INSPIRED BY LOCAL ISLAND BEACH SHACKS, THESE NEIGHBOURING BEACH HOUSES HOST BIG FAMILY GATHERINGS.

A series of connected pods form two robust beach homes for extended family holidays on North Stradbroke Island.

The first conversation

At any one time, there can be up to 15 people holidaying in Cumming Parade House. Our clients set out to create a beach house that provides an abundance of space when all three generations of their family holiday together. But they also wanted the home to feel comfortable (and not overwhelmingly big and empty) for times when just the two of them visit. They have spent a lot of time on the island, so building a home sensitive to the local architectural vernacular was another key priority on their wishlist.

The concept

The site for these beach houses glides down to the ocean below, giving us uninterrupted coastal views to work with. We took the approach of designing two side-by-side homes, each with a series of connected pods that provide separate sleeping spaces when the extended family stays, as well as large living spaces and decks for everyone to gather. This concept also maximises the views captured throughout the house, ensuring all guests can savour the undulating outlook. The pods are connected by covered decks that act as breezeways throughout for passive cooling.

 Within each house, there is a main home and a self-contained studio that our clients can use as their private domain from the family, or when they visit by themselves. The whole family spends most of their time outside when they’re on the island, so a large deck down the bottom is designed to accommodate a much-loved ping-pong table. It sets the scene for long lunches, lazy afternoons together and lively family celebrations. Upstairs, an indoor living and dining area also provides a place to gather, framed by a view out to Moreton Island.

The material palette was inspired by coastal bushland and the nostalgia of beach shacks. Low-maintenance fibre cement sheeting with light grey timber batons will withstand the coastal environment. And as they weather, the timber batons will take on the grey hue present throughout the native vegetation. Inside, plywood-lined interiors add warmth and a further nod to traditional shack design, brightened with teal reveals reminiscent of the deep ocean. These details extend to patterns in the benchtop and floor tiles that resemble sand and seashells.

The outcome

Cumming Parade House is designed as a versatile place that draws occupants outside into the seaside setting, while also providing cosy indoor spaces for rest. Guests can recharge in their own private areas without losing the feeling of togetherness provided by large family homes. This makes the home adaptable regardless of the occasion or season, so that many cherished family memories can be made here.

Project summary

Site area: 1132 sqm

Location: North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)

Under construction: 2023 - Ongoing

Client: Private

Renders: Kin Creative