In Tune–Beach House on Minjerribah

For many, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) is a place for family. Here, visitors fall in love with the pristine beaches and rugged landscape, often returning to create a permanent home. Such was the case for three Brisbane families who sought to establish a place of their own – a beach house that would preserve their long-term connection to the island, and which would allow them to share the magic of Minjerribah with family and friends.

The brief was a complex one. Not only would this residence be co-owned by three families, but the chosen site was a steep sand dune, introducing structural complexities to an island location where water access already impacted materials and logistics. Unfazed by the nature of the project were Brisbane architects REFRESH*DESIGN, who recognised the unique opportunity to create architecture with a difference. The Baker Boys Beach House was conceived as a manifestation of long-term camping, rejecting the conventional ‘holiday house’ typology for something far more valuable. Reminiscent of the familiar 1990s Minjerribah beach shacks, the design seeks to nurture family and community through pure simplicity and function. “It’s about family coming together, about contemplation, relaxation – that was the brief,” explains architect and REFRESH* co-founder, Erhard Rathmayr.

Utilising a ‘deconstructed campsite’ as the form, rooms are arranged to reflect the strict grids of traditional campgrounds where only essential spaces are provided for sleeping, eating and living. Likewise, the house celebrates every opportunity for family activity and interaction, with an emphasis on the kitchen and living spaces. “Even something like brushing teeth will be a communal event here,” remarks Erhard, referring to the two shared bathrooms in place of private ensuites. The reasoning for such pragmatic planning is not only the result of encouraging family time, but is also a consequence of recent island development. “We often see people come [to Minjerribah] and they love it. Then they get their own shack, and they love it. Then they demolish the beautiful shack and repeat the same mansion they have on the mainland, and are surprised when they lose that holiday feeling,” Erhard says. “The solution was simplicity – simplicity in everything.” Through rigorous rationalisation of the plan, the Baker Boys Beach House was stripped back to the essentials, making room for family and the effortless lifestyle characteristic of the island.

The commitment to simplicity also fosters a connection with the surrounding landscape, a critical consideration when designing on Minjerribah, and central to the relevance and longevity of contemporary architecture. “In many ways, the site tells you what to do,” explains Erhard and REFRESH* co-founder Monika Obrist. “It’s very important for us to have this connection to nature.”

Evident in the building’s compact form, tapered to follow the contours of the site, a lightweight butterfly roof soars overhead. The striking roof form was engineered with the dual purpose of functionality and poetics. Representative of the tarpaulin draped across a campsite, this structure has been diligently crafted to deliver optimal passive design. “You never have sun in here if you don’t want to. The roof overhang is such that in winter, the sun comes in. But in summer, the shadow finishes here,” says Erhard, indicating the line of the sun, neatly terminating just prior to the built-in deck seating. This process of simplification produces a highly responsive design, and more importantly, enables a liveable and joyous experience for its occupants.

Fundamental to maintaining the notion of simplicity is the structure and materiality of the building itself. To the south, the Baker Boys Beach House interfaces with a dense nature reserve and to the north, the ocean. Concrete landscaping physically anchors the structure into the sand dune, while a pre-manufactured steel skeleton cantilevers towards the sea. The collaboration between REFRESH*, Bespoke Constructions and NGS Structural Engineers yielded external simplicity, while facilitating smaller structural members to assist in material transportation and reduced costs. “It was assembled here without a single cut, and just bolted together like LEGO. I was sceptical myself, but it worked!” explains Erhard.

Furthering the simplicity of the beach house aesthetic is charred timber cladding –shou sugi ban. This ensures the house complements the landscape, and blends into its surrounds. “Black may look like quite a strong gesture, but it becomes a bit more grey over time, needs zero maintenance, and it becomes part of nature,” Erhard says. The architects also closely collaborated with Flokk Interiors and Corinne Trang to ensure simplicity was maintained and celebrated within. Materials, finishes, furnishings, and cabinetry have been carefully considered to deliver a low-maintenance system, always redirecting focus to place and family.

Architectural and structural design was also heavily influenced by complex fire regulations. Backing onto an established nature reserve, it was important to acknowledge all aspects of living in the bush, despite the island location. “The bush is obviously such an important component, and we made great effort to maintain it. The bush will eventually take over the slope, extending right to the doorstep,” Erhard and Monika explain. “It’s surreal when the sun comes up in the morning, the orange light touches the trees. It all starts glowing.” Capturing the best of both worlds –panoramic ocean views and rugged bushland – the Baker BoysBeach House is the embodiment of Australian architecture.

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