2013 Gallery
Winner: New House under 200 square metres
Kennedy Nolan Architects for Merricks Beach House
Jury Citation
This modest house celebrates simplicity. Through an exploration of the weekender type and how life is played out in such circumstances, the architect has assembled a clear set of rules that embrace trusted architectural techniques, sensitively reflecting an architectural past. A compact floor plan has been carefully resolved around a central courtyard, which expands the apparent sense of space. The minimum elements of weekend necessity (kitchen, single bathroom and barbecue) are arranged in a direct and disciplined manner, yet this small house accommodates up to thirteen guests comfortably. The material palette is robust and appropriate to the site and surrounding context, responding with honesty to the rules determined at the outset. While this house is modest in its intentions, it successfully demonstrates the maturity and self-discipline required when working with a limited budget. Available for the joy of others, the house delivers much from little and provides a refined model for a sustainable future.