Curl Curl House is a study in efficiency to make a generous home with modest expense. It is a simple, open vessel for a surfing family. A prefabricated grid of steel portal frames economically defines the house. Within the compact planning are two courtyards and a double height living volume; bountiful moments that fill the interior with sea breezes and sunlight. Glazing is limited to the perimeter of these few openings. One courtyard is a north oriented room to the rear garden, the other is an external entry for washing off sandy feet and surfboards. The boundary walls and roof are uninterrupted planes of basic metal sheeting. Internal surfaces of concrete bricks and slabs have mass to moderate the internal temperature and durability to withstand the salt laden air and a battering from three rowdy young boys. Curl Curl house is robust backdrop and pragmatic framework to simplify life by the beach.

By Toby Breakspear, Tiffany Liew, 2016 – 2017 Completed. Photography by Clinton Weaver