B.E Architecture’s first Queensland project in Mermaid Beach is receiving the last finishing touches as the client moves into their new home. The house is situated on the open coastline of Mermaid Beach where it commands sweeping views over the vast beach and ocean.
The house’s layout is designed around a central, north facing internal courtyard which allows the occupants to enjoy the outdoors even when the prevailing winds from the ocean pick up and acts as a natural light source for the interior.
Mermaid Beach Residence is built out of concrete which has varied finishes featured as part of the interior and exterior. The external concrete has a smooth finish from its formwork construction, as well as a textured, rough surface which was created using a technique called ‘scabbling’, which involves exposing the concrete to compressed air powered machines to remove a thin layer of concrete from the structure. The concrete façade is punctuated by timber screens that are designed to protect the windows from the harsh Queensland sun and to protect the building during storms.
The central internal first floor garden required careful consideration and was designed to create controlled views rather than look at the built form of neighbouring properties. A suspended concrete beam above the central courtyard on the edge of property becomes a focus for occupants in this area, rather than on the neighbouring house. This has been a successful technique incorporated to passively make unwanted views less dominant.
The interior palette is simple; concrete, stone, and timber, which is reflective of the client’s appreciation of simple Danish design, and desire for minimalist, uncluttered open spaces. The house was deliberately designed to be connected to the beach and ocean, which is part of the occupants’ respective daily routines.