Designed by architecture and interior design studio Splinter Society, the Ocean Grove house was shaped by a shared design and build approach and a clear focus on natural, honest materials. The aim was simple but demanding, create a house that could weather coastal conditions gracefully while still feeling refined and open.
Set on an elevated site and positioned back from the beach, the house looks out across expansive southern coastal views while remaining well connected to the local main street and amenities. The layout responds carefully to climate, protecting the home from prevailing winds and drawing in northern light wherever possible.
The architecture is expressed clearly through material and form. Recessive recycled timber clads the lower level, set into the contours of the site and framed by native coastal planting. Above, a rectilinear concrete volume cantilevers forward to capture beach views, its thickness refined with a chamfered edge and extended glazing along the front facade. Inside, a rough limestone column subtly divides spaces, adding texture and a quiet reference to local stone.
At the centre of the plan is a semi courtyard arrangement that wraps the house around a pool. This sheltered outdoor space becomes the visual anchor of the home, opening the main living areas to sunlight while maintaining a strong sense of privacy. Indoors and outdoors stay closely connected, without the exposure often associated with coastal sites.
Planning is carefully zoned. Guest bedrooms, amenities, garage, and storage sit on the ground level, while the main living spaces and primary bedrooms occupy the upper floor to take advantage of light and outlook. All bedrooms are positioned to the rear, ensuring privacy and direct access to outdoor areas. The main bedroom faces the central courtyard and pool, maintaining a strong connection to light and garden.
The interiors follow the same restrained approach as the exterior. A soft neutral palette is layered with subtle material variation, using limestone and timber to add warmth and tactile depth without visual noise. Around the pool, copper cladding and planted gardens reinforce the home’s sense of durability and calm.
Defined by the interplay of material, light, and space, Coastal House stands as a considered response to its setting.