House in Anglesea is a minimalist residence located in Anglesea, Australia, designed by MGAO. This project involved the alteration and addition of an original mid-century beach house on Victoria’s surf coast where clients loved the original house yet wanted to ‘open the space up to the view’ – specifically an established garden of Moonah trees. This brief demonstrates how renovation can balance preservation of existing character with spatial improvements addressing original design limitations.
The redesign reduced visible bulk of window framing while roof reconstruction raised ceiling height slightly, a small change with significant impacts on the spatial experience. These modest interventions demonstrate how careful dimensional adjustments can dramatically alter perceived spatial quality without requiring comprehensive reconstruction. The ceiling height increase, though measured in inches rather than feet, creates more generous vertical volume improving natural light distribution and psychological sense of openness.
The spirit of the original house remains directly evident in the new dwelling through elements such as the original spacing of exposed trusses and windows setting the rhythm of new additions. These were essential to ensure the design didn’t stray too far from the original, demonstrating how renovation can use existing structural and fenestration patterns as organizing principles for contemporary interventions. This approach maintains visual continuity preventing additions from appearing as disconnected appendages.
However in many areas the architects had opportunity to resolve and refine many elements of the original which were left unresolved. This acknowledgment that the original house contained design shortcomings demonstrates realistic assessment of mid-century beach house construction where modest budgets and limited material availability often resulted in buildings with strong concepts but imperfect execution. The renovation addresses these deficiencies without abandoning overall architectural vision.
The end result is a simple, refined, and extremely robust modern beach house designed to be enjoyed for generations. This longevity aspiration demonstrates contemporary renovation philosophy where durability and timelessness take precedence over trendy expressions that might appear dated within years. The coastal location requires robust construction resisting salt air corrosion and storm exposure making material selection and detailing critical for long-term performance.
