With the country surrounded by water, it's no wonder Australia's great dream of modular prefab home ownership can quickly extend to the idea of a beach house. Summers spent at the beach: swimming, sunbathing and playing sports are endless childhood memories -- and many of us can easily imagine our future weekends and vacations lounging on the beach with family and friends. But despite the enduring appeal of dreams, keep in mind that planning the perfect coastal address requires slightly different thinking than a suburban home.
Select view
The rugged coastline, the endless sky and the water are part of the great appeal of coastal living and are naturally a central focus. Whether your spectacular views are out to sea or rolling hills in the countryside, your home design should maximise and highlight the available views.
Therefore, careful consideration must be given to the design and placement of Windows and the line of sight through the house. Suppose you plan to use a lot of glass. In that case, you will also need to invest in the best glass and energy-efficient window construction, and protection from airflow, heat conduction and corrosion elements will need to be factored into your system of choice.
Durable cladding
If Australia's climate can be unforgiving, the coastal environment can be. Strong winds, salty air, humidity and Australian sunshine make the cladding of a beach house one of its most important features, the first line of defence.
To avoid the rapid ageing of your home, choose a dense material such as concrete or special-shaped concrete to help your home stand the test of time, or choose a lightweight material specifically designed to resist corrosion. In addition, materials specifically designed for weathering and softening, such as silver-topped ash, are ideal for easy low maintenance. Today, many new bonding techniques have been developed to make metals both light and durable, while giving you plenty of options when trying different aesthetics.
Protected outdoor areas
While it's important to protect your house from the elements, it's also important to protect yourself when you want to enjoy the outdoors. Planning a protected area outside for rest or play is a great way to keep the wind and sun from driving you indoors.
First, map wind and sun conditions for your block, then consider protective structures that protect you from the elements. In general, a north-facing deck is a good way to use the house for protection.
Outdoor shower
If you don't like taking the sand and sea with you after visiting the beach, then an outdoor shower is a must, not to mention an attractive addition to any home. But note that most shower installations are prone to rust, and you must choose an easy-to-replace system or invest in protecting the area from elements while using high-grade materials.
Store all toys
Surfboards, boogie boards, wet suits, bikes and exercise equipment take up more space than you might think, but are essential to enjoying an active beach lifestyle. Designating areas for each item is not only convenient, but also keeps your home looking neat. If you choose to take an outdoor shower or wet area, consider placing a wet set nearby so you can rinse everything at once.