THE TERRACE AT BRUNSWICK HEADS
NEW BUILD . NORTHERN NSW
The Terrace at Bruns comprises two separate dwellings on a narrow 10 metre wide coastal lot in Brunswick Heads, designed for a young family seeking an outdoor focused lifestyle. Developed in close collaboration with the clients, who are commercial builders, the project evolved over several years, allowing for a high level of refinement in both planning and detail.
Dual street frontage enables each dwelling to operate independently, with separate entries and clear spatial distinction. The primary dwelling is positioned to the front of the site, while the secondary dwelling connects to the rear laneway and supports short term stays, providing flexibility and income. Despite the compact 474m² lot, the design prioritises openness, privacy, and varied connections to the outdoors.
Multiple outdoor living spaces are integrated throughout the site, including an entry garden, pool terrace, elevated balcony garden, and a covered outdoor kitchen with a log fired pizza oven and rotisserie. These spaces are layered through split level planning and connected visually and physically, creating a fluid indoor outdoor experience.
The home steps across four levels, with large openings promoting cross ventilation and natural light. A northern courtyard forms a double height void, linking multiple indoor and outdoor spaces and enhancing spatial connection.
Materially, the project is a subtropical interpretation of Australian coastal contemporary design with Mediterranean influences, combining white render, weatherboards, silvered timber, and terracotta elements. Passive design strategies include orientation, deep shading, cross ventilation, insulation, and a mix of lightweight and slab construction for thermal performance.
A 10kW solar system supports energy use, while 19000L of rainwater is stored underground for toilet flushing, machine washing, gardens and pool top up. Hot water plumbing pipes are lagged, reinforcing a low impact, low energy use climate responsive approach to living.
