KTA was commissioned to design a new home at Guerilla Bay, NSW after a limited design competition. Our concept responded to the topography of the site, its immediacy to the coast and potential impacts of sea level rise and planning setbacks to the nature reserve.

The design encompasses a loose ensemble of two pavilions arranged within the site’s existing clearings to accommodate the clusters of surrounding trees. The two pavilions – a major and a minor one – with a deck between. The larger pavilion contains the main bedroom suite and living areas; the smaller one guests and car. This arrangement of buildings and landscape balance privacy and sociability. Guests are provided with a self contained pavilion if desired or alternatively welcomed into the main living pavilion via the linking deck.

Unfussy, sharing something of the spirit of the more humble beach shack the interior balances the drama of framed views with more intimate pockets of space especially from window seats along the west and northern edges. The design integrates the home and landscape – connecting the interior to the outdoors and allowing for climatic and seasonal variation.