Andrew Simpson Architects

Scape House

Cape Liptrap, 2009

This project for a family coastal residence is located on a stunning site in eastern Victoria. The design is an investigation of how an idealised conception of ‘house’ is transformed by its context and use. The site has extraordinary qualities: harsh prevailing winds of the roaring forties; sloping site; and sublime panoramic views from cape liptrap to wilson’s promontory. The residence required maximum flexibility as a beach home that could accommodate varying sleeping needs – anything from a single guest to burgeoning family summer holidays. The sectional character of the design adopts an idealised child-like profile of a gabled house as a point of departure. However this reading of the architecture is subverted by a reorientation of the plan. The house twists to accommodate framed views and take advantage of the natural fall of the site, with two wings capturing significant views of the landscape to the east and west. These arms of the building are mediated by an ambiguous space that operates as provisional gallery, entry, veranda, storage, dining, lounging and circulation zone. This contested space engages more directly with the landscape and accommodates shifting patterns of use. Design: Andrew Simpson, Owen West and Dennis Prior (of WSH Architects) Project Team: Andrew Simpson, Owen West, Steve Hatzellis, Dennis Prior, Stephan Bekhor Photography: Christine Francis