Great Wall House
Great Wall House
The Great Wall House, Torquay 2016 - 2018
Set within a gently sloping coastal site, the Great Wall House is a single-storey contemporary residence that responds to its environment through a thoughtful blend of orientation, materiality, and passive design strategies. Designed to sit comfortably within its natural setting, the home opens out to the landscape while offering privacy and protection from prevailing coastal conditions.
The architecture is defined by its long, linear form — a grounded gesture in the terrain, with expansive glazing and generous eaves. Screens and hooded elements have been carefully integrated to block out harsh summer sun while welcoming in low-angled winter light. The result is a home that is bright and thermally efficient across the seasons.
Ample openable windows are positioned to harness natural cross ventilation and capture cooling coastal breezes, reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling. The planning prioritises connection — not only between indoor and outdoor living spaces but also between the built form and the broader landscape.
An east-facing outdoor entertaining deck extends the living zone into the landscape, complete with a built-in BBQ and bench. Protected from the cooler southern winds and dappled with filtered light through screening elements above, this space provides a calm and adaptable area for year-round use.
The Great Wall House balances robust environmental performance with coastal elegance — creating a family home that is open, enduring, and deeply connected to place.
