Coastal & Beach
So you’re building a beach home? Beach homes can be one of the most rewarding places to live. Although building in such a desirable location doesn’t come with out some special considerations.
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Many of us dream about living by the beach and building our very own beach house. However, building in coastal areas, which can be harsh, requires unique considerations compared to building in other areas.
The popularity of coastal living means more and more elegant dwellings are being designed beach side, to accommodate people migrating to coastal areas. In line with this trend, coastal style has evolved beyond the beach shack weekender, to the creation of practical and airy contemporary spaces.
Along with more opportunities for sun bathing, swimming and fishing, beach-side living brings with it the corrosive elements of wind, salt and moisture which can be damaging on normal building materials. If you’re planning your dream beach house, here’s what you need to keep in mind when it comes to building close to the beach.
KEEP IT OPEN
Open-plan beach house designs, when combined with other simple elements, accentuate available space, creating homes where occupants feel free to move around.
MAKE THE MOST OF TIMBER
When it comes to building beach houses, the weathered timber beach shack is a highly sought-after design aesthetic. Inspired by driftwood, the use of timber weatherboards or timber cladding in either an interior or exterior application adds a touch of something natural to any coastal beach house design. If you’re unsure about timber’s durability in coastal areas, consider an alternative cladding material with a timber-look finish. You’ll achieve the beach house design without compromising on durability.
EMBRACE GLAZING
What’s the point of living near the beach if you can’t actually see it from your home? Glass lets us do this, especially if installed in a large-span capacity. However, large-span glass windows come with a particular set of challenges that need to be considered. Adequate window glazing is key, as this this will enable you to soak up those stunning views while keeping your home cool. It is an energy-efficient and innovative use of glass.
FEEL THAT SEA BREEZE
Additional window hardware – such as shutters, blinds, or louvre windows – can also protect us from the harsh sun, but have the added benefit of allowing the calming and delightful ocean breeze to permeate the space. While a dwelling by its very nature is designed to protect us from the elements, we can still feel the sea breeze in our homes. Installing louvre windows to ensure proper ventilation means that our living spaces can become oases of fresh, salty air.
USE WHAT'S AROUND YOU
Living near New Zealand beaches means being surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural environments on offer. So, make the most of it by choosing materials that will blend in with the surroundings. After all, sticking out like a sore thumb spoils the point of living so close to such a pristine environment. Make sure you properly assess how you’re going to make the most of your beautiful location by extensively researching the best materials to complement the area.
With over 20 years of experience in coastal development, Waller Projects can efficiently design and build your new home that stands up to the ever changing elements we face on our beautiful coastline.
Our team share a passion for delivering unique, beautiful beach homes customised to your lifestyle.
