A Coastal Sanctuary That Celebrates Simplicity and Nature
A Coastal Sanctuary That Celebrates Simplicity and Nature
The hut—a simple shelter, pared back to its essentials. This beach home by Aych Architects takes inspiration from that idea, creating a place that is protective yet open, simple yet refined. It offers a deep connection to nature and light, while also providing a sense of refuge.
Expanses of glass frame the ever-changing landscape, while timber and concrete create a grounded, tactile experience. Every detail speaks to a philosophy of less—but better.
Grounded in its coastal setting, the home embraces simplicity—spaces feel open yet sheltered, balancing warmth with robustness to create a sanctuary that allows you to reconnect with nature.
Perched in the quiet beachside town of Blairgowrie, this refined beach house leans into simplicity, stripping away excess in favour of light, landscape, and connection. The clients, a couple with three adult sons and growing families, envisioned a retreat that could flex between intimate weekends for two and larger family gatherings—without sacrificing comfort.
Inspired by the purest forms of coastal shelter — four posts and a roof — the architecture pares back unnecessary details in favour of simplicity and permanence. ‘How can we make this as simple as possible and still have the qualities of just roof and no walls?’ Hugh Feggans, architect and Director of Aych Architects. ‘This is what we arrived at — a thoroughly simplistic project in many respects.’
Two intersecting volumes form the layout: a primary pavilion with open-plan kitchen, dining, living spaces and a master suite; and a secondary wing for guest bedrooms and bathrooms. This zoning allows the home to flex from a quiet retreat for two to a generous space for hosting friends and family.
The beach house responds to its context, with solid concrete walls to the perimeter to comply with bushfire regulations, but opening to an internal courtyard with large expanses of glass.
‘People arriving at the house come up the driveway, which is a monolithic wall.’ Marcus, the client, explains. ‘Until they walk in and they go from feeling that they're looking at a sort of a monolithic structure to something that is really just light and ephemeral. So you've got this contrast’
Inside, the material palette is deliberately restrained. Concrete floors, timbers and glass do all the work, reflecting the clients’ appreciation for uncluttered, modern living. Full-height glazing in key areas opens the home up to garden views and sea breezes, while deep overhangs provide shelter and shade — another subtle nod to that coastal hut.
This Mornington Peninsula home by Aych Architects is more than a modern beach house — it’s a thoughtful, enduring response to site and lifestyle. With its robust architecture and minimalist material palette, it offers a timeless vision of coastal living.
‘There's a ruggedness to the beach, there's a rugged vegetation, and I think that being able to have a home that is so stripped and raw in terms of its material, in its complexity is something that has a visual and mental effect on you as well,’ Hugh explains. ‘It's calming in a way. And that's just how a beach house should be designed.’
Rose Beach House by Aych Architects, built by Jarant.
Produced by Simple Dwelling, filmed, edited and photographed by Anthony Richardson, words by Anthony Richardson.
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