Modernised 70’s charm built for the South Coast.

Positioned on a flat 680m² block one street back from Mollymook Beach, this tastefully renovated 70s beach house pays homage to its period while meeting the demands of contemporary family living.

The original dwelling presented several challenges. The internal layout was fragmented and inefficient, with split levels, limited accommodation, poor natural light, and little connection to the rear yard. Previous alterations carried out in the 1990s had further compromised the functionality and left the home dated.

The brief was to reconfigure the home into a practical, well-resolved layout better suited to an active family, with a clean coastal finish. The project involved a substantial internal reworking and staged additions. The existing structure was reduced to a simplified central core at ground level, forming the new kitchen and primary living zone. From this base, we extended in three directions to create a more functional and cohesive floorplan.

To the rear, a new addition accommodates a north-facing dining area and master suite, designed to maximise natural light and direct access to the outdoors. This space opens onto a large timber deck with stepped access to the rear lawn, improving indoor-outdoor flow and usability of the site.

A separate wing incorporates an oversized garage, workshop, and laundry. The upper level includes two additional bedrooms and a bathroom, while a mezzanine has been constructed as a flexible, light-filled studio with ocean views. A permeable mesh balustrade allows light transfer between levels while maintaining visual connection.

Material selection was guided by durability and suitability for the coastal environment. The palette includes exposed brickwork, polished concrete, and hardwood timbers including Spotted Gum and Blackbutt. Internally, white vertical grooved board across walls, ceilings, and joinery creates a consistent finish throughout.

Externally, white breeze blocks reference the character of original mid-century beach houses in the area, tying the renovation to its local context while delivering a modernised outcome.

The result is a functional, well-constructed family home that maximises the potential of the site and provides a durable, low-maintenance solution suited to coastal living.