Surf Check
On the land of the Awabakal people.
Surf Check is anchored into a sublime coastal valley reaching out North-east towards the beaches of Newcastle.
Spatially, the house consists of two boxes which you enter between and immediately presents the view to the horizon and the coast. By virtue of the location, there’s prospect available from every room, where lies the challenge to balance the obvious outlook with a sense of refuge and safety. Responding to this exposure, there are decks for enjoying the morning calm and sun, as well as enclosed decks sheltered from the Nor’easter and oriented to soak in the afternoon light. Living spaces are at ground level, hovering over the land that falls away. Bedrooms are all in the lower levels where they are darker, bunkered and more protected. Bathrooms are dark, cave-like, and warm.
Materials were chosen for honesty and longevity. Paint coatings are minimised. Hardwood is used extensively internally where it can be protected. Ceilings are, tirelessly and rewardingly, hand nailed battens with acoustic properties. On the upper level, the otherwise flat ceilings step up into three periscopes, allowing light in and hot air out.
Windows are double glazed with hardwood frames. The North and West elevations are protected by a layer of operable casement screens that can be closed for privacy, security or shade, and opened for sun in winter. The house is heated by a fire and heat pump driven hydronic radiators, and cooled by ceiling fans and natural convention alone. There is a 14KW PV system and 10KL water tanks.
Ultimately, the success of this project rests in an apparent simplicity and quietness, which belies the discipline and collaboration required to achieve it. The landscape beyond provides the drama for which the house is the platform for participation.
Project Team : Matt Elkan, Daina Cunningham, Hayley Skelton, Sam Horspool, Owen Kelly, John Hooghuis, Lauren Maley
Builder : Maple Design + Construct (Ciaran Dunne, Declan Dunne)
Structural Engineer : Costin Roe Consulting
Hydraulic Engineer : Costin Roe Consulting
Landscape Architect : Lindy Hulton Larson
Lighting : Tovo
Photographs : Grace Picot