SPINIFEX HOUSE: A new residence for adelaide’s metropolitan coast
winner of the john s chappel award for new houses in the Australian institute of architects awards 2020
ADELAIDE RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE BY KHAB ARCHITECTS
At probably half the size of many houses that now line our metro beachfront, Spinifex House is like that new kid in the playground dwarfed by the surrounding bullish show-offs. Emulating the old shacks, she touches the ground lightly, respecting the dune and blurring the boundary to the adjacent reserve. She deftly responds to the harsh and beautiful setting using an animated shell of corrugated iron as an integrated element to address entry, privacy, and protection, while ensuring dedicated frames to the gorgeous broad view of beach and sunset. Honest, tactile materials, efficient planning and connection to context offer a rich and cohesive living environment that captures the casual, relaxed feel of a holiday house.
Spinifex House is exemplary for Adelaide’s metro coast – a modest and counter-cultural leader who doesn’t need flex or fake tan.
“Our new home works perfectly for the three of us. The spaces are connected beautifully with the right amount of separation between areas. We can get on with the different things that come along with family life without feeling separated. Being on an exposed site the design gives us the desirable privacy and protection from the elements while maximising the view.
Sarah and Todd Willetts 2020
