Shell House
shell House
The Shell House, Rye (in-progress)
Sitting atop the sand dunes behind the Rye National Park. At the upper level the flat face of the Living Dining space is oriented directly North, which will allow sunlight in through highlight windows, shaded via hoods of appropriate horizontal length.
The curved facade bends from the West to South and takes in the panorama of the vegetated secondary dune system and ocean through 2 main view corridors. The glazing is angled to afford the wind ease of passage over the dwelling, with a vertical blade screen controlling direct sunlight on these windows.
The Primary Bedroom suite and decking with wide overhanging eave are to the East. Morning sun will be able to permeate into this private wing, which overlooks the site and surrounding landscape.
A central stairwell provides ease of access to the mid point of the residence, with the Kitchen and Study either side. The rear deck will welcome sunshine throughout the day, sheltered behind the building; with a fanned timber pergola with copper capping over. The skillion roof falls from the SW to NE, with the natural contour.
The lower level is a limestone plinth that the second level rests on. 2 children’s Bedrooms open to a Rumpus and Cyber Cafe with Kitchenette. A combined Bathroom/Laundry, Storage and Carport are also provided.
Exposed beams radiate internally and splay toward the view, with the angled ceiling inviting each occupants gaze toward the sea.
The internal layout is intentionally open, with multiple transition routes provided around the internal joinery islands, to create a sense of flow. Positive energy is encouraged to circulate in and around the home, much like the currents of the ocean around seaweed covered reef in the beach below.
