Some homes are shaped by the people who gather inside them, while others are shaped by the land they overlook. This one manages to be both. The Two Pavilions House by Tom Robertson Architects sits quietly along the Australian coastline, but its purpose is anything but quiet. It was created as a retreat where three generations of a family could return to the same patch of earth and share long weekends together. What emerged on this coastal property is a modern sanctuary that celebrates connection to both the landscape and one another.
A New Way to Enjoy the Coastline
Before this home took its place along the shoreline, a humble prefabricated 70s kit house stood here. That structure held years of family memories, but the next chapter called for something that could better serve a growing and energetic family. The new design was guided by the desire to stay connected to the landscape and to keep the experience relaxed and simple. Built as a weekend retreat for three generations, the home now feels completely at ease in its coastal setting.
A Home Designed as Two Timber Pavilions
Tom Robertson Architects shaped the house as a pair of pavilions, giving the form a gentle nod to the barns that once defined the local vernacular. The pavilions are wrapped in Blackbutt shiplap, which softens the exterior and creates a minimal and warm feel. This material choice also sets the tone for the entire project. The goal was not to overwhelm but to offer a calm canvas for family time and long afternoons spent looking out toward the sea.
The Breezeway That Brings Everyone Together
Between the two pavilions sits a central breezeway, and it quickly becomes clear that this open space is the heart of the home. It gives each pavilion a sense of privacy while still linking the family through shared moments. In summer, the breezeway draws in cooling air. In winter, expanses of glass oriented toward the distant water capture warmth from the sun. Families gather here to eat, relax and simply enjoy the rhythm of the landscape around them.
Warm Materials and Quiet Strength Indoors
The Blackbutt timber continues inside, flowing across the ceilings and carrying that sense of warmth into every space. Below, burnished concrete floors provide the durability needed for young children, sandy feet and the lively movement of an extended family. Natural materials soften the grey and white palette, creating an environment that feels grounded even when the winds pick up outside.
Open Plan Living for Big Family Gatherings
The main social areas embrace open plan living. The kitchen, living and dining areas share one generous space, making it easy for the family to spread out or come together. Doors open to a wide timber deck, where views of the coastline stretch out toward the horizon. Inside, minimalist white cabinetry in the kitchen is paired with exposed wood shelving, creating a clean look that stands out against the dark window frames and flooring.
A Bedroom That Lets the View In
In the bedroom, comfort sits alongside simplicity. Furnishings are kept minimal, giving the view the attention it deserves. A sliding glass door opens directly to the deck, so mornings begin with fresh air and the sound of the coast nearby.
A Bathroom Designed for Calm Moments
The bathroom continues the theme of gentle warmth. A timber vanity brings life to the mostly white interior. Square tiles line the walls, and a freestanding tub sits by the window, placed so the bather can look out across the landscape while sinking into a quiet moment.
This home may have begun as a replacement for a well loved holiday shack, but it now stands as a place where old memories and new traditions meet. With its warm timber finishes, thoughtful breezeway and connection to the coastline, the Two Pavilions House offers the family a quiet retreat that feels both timeless and deeply personal.