A new holiday home in the coastal town of Anglesea, located about 90 minutes from Melbourne, perfectly captures the magic of seaside living through thoughtful architectural design. Tom Eckersley, director of Eckersley Architects, drew on his personal connection to the area where he spent many childhood summers to create a special project nicknamed "Jackson" for his own parents.
The new residence replaced an existing dark and poorly constructed brick dwelling that previously occupied the steep sloping site. The design brief called for a flexible, thermally efficient home filled with natural light throughout. Most importantly, the house needed to establish a strong connection with nature while celebrating the incredible ocean views available from the elevated location.
"We wanted to create a subtle, humble building that blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings rather than stand out, screaming look at me!" Tom explains. The resulting structure is carefully anchored into the slope of the property, with the front facade and carport taking inspiration from the original elevated fiber cement beach shacks that still characterize the beachside neighborhood.
The architects employed a muted material palette to help merge the residence within the surrounding landscape. Charred timber cladding and rugged stone walls establish the tone for the minimalistic interiors, where raw blackbutt timber ceilings are paired with stone flooring sourced from Eco Outdoor. This restrained approach to materials reinforces the home's connection to its natural coastal setting.
The floor plan demonstrates clever zoning divided into three distinct areas, allowing the home to function as an intimate retreat for Tom's parents while also expanding to accommodate their extended family and grandchildren during visits. The ground level features an entry that opens to a rumpus room alongside a bunkroom, providing flexible space for various activities and guests.
Upstairs, the main living areas flow seamlessly onto a balcony offering uninterrupted vistas where the dramatic cliffs meet the ocean. "Whilst the house appears quite elevated from the street, it was important for the transition between inside and outside to feel seamless," Tom adds. "The layout of the home is wrapped around a central courtyard allowing easy direct access from inside to out."
Sustainability played a crucial role in the home's design and construction. In addition to incorporating passive solar principles for optimal thermal efficiency, the house features a 14kWh solar panel system complete with battery storage and all-electric appliances. Even the drought-tolerant garden was thoughtfully designed by Eckersley Garden Architecture with environmental considerations in mind.
Reflecting on the unique experience of designing for family members, Tom notes that his parents proved to be excellent clients. "We had some robust debates along the journey, but no more than what you have with any other client," he says. The collaborative process ultimately resulted in a serenely beautiful yet understated home that sits perfectly within its stunning coastal setting, embodying both architectural excellence and family connection.
