Lot 3
Seal Rocks/Worimi country
new house
approved via development application
completed 2010
bushfire prone land
We wanted a simple, no-fuss beach house that could fit two families and be used for holiday letting. Seal Rocks is a rugged, remote spot with few services, so we needed a design that felt raw and grounded while remaining practical and cost-effective.
As both architects and clients, we had full creative control, which allowed us to bring our vision of simplicity to life — something we rarely get to fully embrace.
The house is stripped back to the essentials — rammed earth, concrete, steel, and glass — nothing more, nothing less. No paint, tiles, or carpet; just raw materials that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
The layout forms an ‘L’ shape, creating a private yet open courtyard with views of the national park. Dividing the house into two pavilions brings the design closer to the landscape, making the whole structure feel more intimate.
Large louvred windows ensure good airflow, and the roof lifts to the north, capturing both winter sun and stunning sky views.
Sustainability was key: the house runs on rainwater, has no air conditioning, and features a narrow footprint that maximises light and ventilation. We also gave new life to many fittings and appliances that were salvaged from a high-end demolition.
Lot 3 is everything we set out to create. It’s a place to unwind, stripped of excess and deeply connected to the landscape. The rammed earth walls reflect the light in stunning, ever-changing ways throughout the day.
Inside, the spaces are compact yet open, with a galley kitchen, open dining area, and bedrooms tucked behind continuous joinery. The wood fireplace pulls the whole space together, making the house just as cosy in winter as it is breezy in summer.
Built with care and time, it’s become the perfect escape from the city — just what we had in mind.
“Children and adults can always find a space to themselves, either in the grassy courtyard, which backs onto a national park, or in the main living room, which is cleverly divided by a central fire place”.
- Tim Elliot SMH Traveller review
Builder Castlepeake Construction, Rammed Earth National
Photographer Neil Fenelon
Key Materials Rammed earth, concrete, steel, glass
Stay at the house Air BnB
Media Sydney Morning Traveller