The Point
The Point House
The Point House, Wye River, 2018
Sited high above the coastline, The Point House rests lightly on the hillside, its form following the contours of the land. Positioned over an existing bench and the line of an original driveway, the home was conceived to minimise disruption to the steep and sensitive terrain — a measured response to both site and setting.
Two simple volumes pivot gently around a central deck, creating a sheltered outdoor space that draws morning light into the living areas and frames views toward the Wye River Point below. This open void acts as a threshold between wings, anchoring the living pavilion to the east and a more private zone — containing the Primary Bedroom and Ensuite — to the rear. The floorplan, narrow and efficient, allows the house to breathe naturally, encouraging cross ventilation and inviting the surrounding bushland deep into the interior.
Throughout, the detailing is robust and considered. A restrained material palette of timber linings and exposed trusses brings warmth and clarity to the interior, while slender openings at both high and low levels break down the massing and reinforce the home’s connection to place. Extensive glazing is concentrated toward protected orientations, while more exposed elevations are kept solid and minimal. The result is a balance between openness and resilience.
Built in a high bushfire risk zone, the house is clad in non-combustible materials, selected for both performance and durability. The low and high-level windows to the eastern elevation — facing into dense vegetation — are narrow and deeply shaded, reducing exposure and risk. These decisions proved critical during the Christmas Day fires of 2015, which the home withstood intact.
Orientation and environmental responsiveness were central to the design. The main living areas are positioned to the north and east to optimise solar gain, with generous eaves providing protection from the harsh summer sun while allowing winter warmth to penetrate the slab. Openable windows and a slender footprint allow for natural cooling through cross ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. Durable, low embodied energy materials — including bamboo flooring — contribute to the home’s sustainability and longevity.
The Point House is a quiet structure shaped by its landscape — a resilient coastal retreat that sits confidently yet humbly in its environment, offering long views, soft light, and a sense of deep connection to the land.
See current AirBnB listing HERE
