- Project: Cobbadah Beach House
- Architect: Hayman + Charlton Architects
- Location: Australia, Tugun, Gold Coast, Queensland
- Year: 2024
- Area: 432 m2
- Photography: Andy Macpherson
Cobbadah Beach House / Hayman + Charlton Architects / Australia
Nestled along the windswept shoreline of Tugun on the Gold Coast, Cobbadah Beach House stands as a refined example of contemporary coastal architecture that reconciles family comfort, multi-generational living, and a profound connection to the sea. Designed by Hayman + Charlton Architects, the house captures the unique rhythm of its landscape—sand, sun, wind, and vegetation—through a meticulous composition of volumes, filtered views, and a restrained material palette.
The project challenges the typical coastal-home typology. Instead of overexposing the interiors to the harsh Australian sun and prevailing winds, the architects carefully modulated light and openness, creating a series of sheltered, atmospheric spaces that feel simultaneously expansive and private.
A Home That Frames the Landscape, Not Just the View
Cobbadah Beach House is engineered around a central idea: every space must have a curated relationship with the outdoors. Rather than relying on one dramatic ocean-facing façade, the architects shaped a series of layered thresholds—screens, courtyards, deep eaves, and apertures—that frame nature in surprising ways.
The living areas open toward the coastline, offering sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, while more intimate rooms face inward toward protected gardens. This dual orientation creates a natural balance between retreat and exposure, crafting moments of calm even in a dynamic coastal climate.
A Multi-Generational Program Designed to Evolve
The home’s layout reflects the client’s desire for a residence that can adapt over time. Spread across multiple levels, the spaces are organized into two semi-distinct living zones, allowing different generations to coexist comfortably without compromising privacy.
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The upper level contains the primary living, kitchen, and dining areas, all arranged to capture daylight and prevailing breezes.
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Bedrooms are tucked into quieter corners, protected from direct sun and offering restorative views toward lush vegetation.
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A secondary living suite can function independently, ideal for extended family stays, guests, or future flexibility.
Every level features outdoor terraces or decks, reinforcing the idea that indoor and outdoor living should merge seamlessly.
Materiality: Natural, Textural, and Designed to Age Beautifully
The architectural language draws heavily from the textures of the Gold Coast environment. Soft timbers, pale masonry, and matte finishes create a warm, tactile expression that feels both refined and grounded. These materials were selected not only for their aesthetics but for their durability in a beachfront environment.
Timber battens soften the home’s larger masses, creating shadow play throughout the day. Stone thresholds ground key transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, while long-span glazing ensures rooms remain bright without being overly exposed.
This approach results in a building that feels weathered-in rather than weather-beaten, aligning with the architects’ philosophy of understated, enduring coastal design.
Climate-Responsive Coastal Architecture
The Gold Coast presents a unique climatic challenge—intense sunlight, salt-laden winds, high humidity, and sudden storms. Cobbadah Beach House addresses these conditions through thoughtful passive strategies:
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Deep roof overhangs shield key façades from overheating.
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Natural cross-ventilation paths reduce the need for mechanical cooling.
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Filtered openings allow air movement while preserving privacy.
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Robust exterior materials minimize wear over time.
By integrating these strategies into the architecture, the house maintains a consistently comfortable interior environment with reduced energy demand.
A Living Space Rooted in Experience
More than an object placed on a site, Cobbadah Beach House is a home shaped by experience. There is a softness to its transitions, a quiet confidence in its materiality, and an enriching rhythm to the way light shifts across surfaces throughout the day.
The project reflects Hayman + Charlton Architects’ larger ethos—creating homes that feel calm, grounded, and beautifully tuned to the places they occupy. Cobbadah Beach House is not merely a beachfront residence; it is a living framework for family life, future growth, and everyday connection to the coast.
