Palm Beach House

Palm Beach, Northern Beaches, Sydney

Photography Simon Whitbread

Owned by the same family for over 40 years, this ‘Fisherman’s shack’ on a coveted stretch of beach in Sydney’s Palm Beach was in need of a refresh. Essential to the brief was that the home not be extended or enlarged but instead maintain its original character with the necessary upgrades.

A large timber deck now extends from the living room. It features a clear-roofed pergola with battening on the underside, which allows light to penetrate while providing subtle relief from the sun. With the home’s footprint not able to be extended, this all-weather space essentially doubles the living/dining areas.

The ‘boatshed’ was rebuilt and raised to combat the effects of rising tides, and what was once a damp, cold outhouse now flows seamlessly off the beach deck and provides much-needed additional accomodation.

Materials were selected to celebrate the simple construction of the original cottage and to be robust enough to withstand the weather and rigours of holiday guests.