Fairhaven Beach House sits high on a ridgeline above the Great Ocean Road on the Victorian coastline of Australia. Designed by John Wardle Architects, the modern coastal house enjoys panoramic views over the Southern Ocean and the surf beach below.
A Contemporary House On The Australian Coast
The house is shaped by a careful sequence of volumes, openings, and views. Its windows are positioned to frame particular parts of the landscape and to reveal the interior gradually, creating a sense of movement from arrival to the main living spaces.
The sharp, asymmetrical form responds to the steep coastal site. Large areas of glazing connect the rooms to the sea, while the plan wraps around a protected courtyard that provides a sheltered outdoor space in a windy landscape.
A Coastal House With A Dramatic View
A green-gray zinc shell gives the exterior a strong, angular presence and helps the building sit within the surrounding coastal vegetation. Inside, warm timber surfaces create a more intimate atmosphere and soften the sculptural geometry of the walls and ceilings.
The spatial journey through the house is carefully choreographed. A dramatic vertical entry leads toward the horizontal living space, where the main window matches the broad proportions of the ocean view. The result is both theatrical and deeply connected to place.
Fairhaven Beach House by John Wardle Architects
The house turns the steep slope into an architectural advantage. Its sheltered courtyard, timber-lined interiors, and precisely framed outlooks make the building feel open to the landscape without losing the comfort of a private retreat.
Covered terrace
Dynamic coastal architecture
Large kitchen with sliding doors
Asymmetrical interior lines
Modern materials for the interior
Spacious rooms with a splendid view
Wood and glass emphasize the transition between interior and exterior
Views toward coastal vegetation
Open coastal house design
miranda_shida
Anna Lohan
Peter Dark
