Burrill Lake House

This project by Jost Architects started with an existing beach shack in Burrill Lake, a small coastal town south of Ulladulla on the South Coast of New South Wales in Australia.

The client was an old friend of architect Patrick Jost.

Patrick had visited his friend many times for an annual surfing and fishing trip.

The site is located in a beautiful Australian coastal bush setting with Eucalypt growing right to the edge of the lake at the end of the street.

It’s a short distance from Dolphin Point and the expanse of the Tasman Sea.

The shack was purchased in 2007 and renovated by the owner soon after in an epic 18 month effort that saw him sleeping in a tent in his garage for the duration.

Getting married and adding two boys to the mix triggered the need for more space.

Rather than adding another level as was first considered, Patrick recommended utilising the area to the north of the existing house.

He knew that building on the ground would cost less and save time.

Jost Architects’ design embodies the feel of the classic fibro beach shacks commonly found in the area; simple, but a bit abstract, and utilising familiar materials.

The existing building was opened up to the lush natural vegetation in the streets to the front of the property.

The existing bedrooms were removed from within the existing envelope, while the bathroom and kitchen locations were kept but rearranged.

The three new bedrooms, study, and ensuite were situated in the new “wing” which was bolted onto the north side of the existing building with a new opening into the area.

The addition cups the old house with roof eaves and extended wall nibs at each end overlapping with the old dwelling. Clad in corrugated metal sheet, vertical painted boards, and a new timber batten fascia to the retained eaves links the two forms.

The interior finishes were carefully selected by the clients, suited the coastal location, and worked in with not only with the external finishes but their furniture, artwork, and lifestyle.

The shed at the back was retained, but unlike the rest of the house, it was kept as homage to the old shacks of the South Coast that are typically full off fishing and surfing gear, wetsuits, bikes, and the ping pong table that still gets a workout every week.

The only thing packed away is the tent.

Patrick Jost’s simple design solution for the Burrill Lake House project resulted in a hugely positive outcome for his appreciative client and friend.

Key Products Used

External Cladding

Timber Fascias – Vic Ash timber battens
Metal Cladding – Lysaght Custom Orb metal sheet with marine grade Colorbond finish
Lightweight Sheet Cladding – Weathertex Weathergroove Smooth150

Feature Pendant Lighting

Kitchen, Living, and Dining – Polk Pendants from Project Lighting
Bedroom – Oriel Acorn Natural Timber light from Temple & Webster
Bathrooms – Rouge Tesla Pendant from Temple & Webster

Interior Finishes

Living Joinery – VJ Lining board by David Gunn Designs
Shelving Nook – Recycled local timber by client
Bathroom Joinery – Recycled local Blackbutt by Ross Wackett of ‘Furniture Not Firewood’

Flooring

Existing Timber Flooring – Cypress Pine with a lime wash finish by Floor Space Sanding
New Timber Flooring – Select grade Vic Ash
Tiles – TV by AHOY trading

Benchtops

Kitchen – Insitu Concrete slab sealed and polished by Floor Space Sanding

Sanitaryware

Tap fittings – Phoenix Toi taps
Bath Deso Halo bath from Swann Plumbing

Furniture

Sofa – Freedom
Antique Parker Recliner – Retro Antiques in Milton
Credenza – Dave Gunn Design
Master Bed – Master Lewis
Kid’s Cots – Leander
Beanbag in living room – Morocco
Embroidered Cushions in Living room – NicCoco Designs
Cushions on bed – Liberty London
Rug in living room – AURugs
Rug in bedroom – Armadillo
Mirror in master bedroom – Global Gatherings Taupe
Tall Mirror – Temple & Webster
Mirror in ensuite – Temple & Webster
Noguchi Coffee Table – bought over from UK

Artwork

Living room – Spirited Away by Kirsty Mitchel (white one)
Nude in hallway by Alison Lewis
Master Bed – Custom Copper Wall Hanging Botanical Boheme from Etsy
Whale bone from juvenile whale washed up on burrill beach

Slow Combustion Heater

Woodturner ‘BLAZE 600’ – Sneddons