Beachview House
Architect: Matt Thitchener Architect Landscape: Hollandscapes Structural Engineer: Thitchener Consulting Photography: Luke Butterly Situated on a steep block on the southern headland of Macmaster Beach, on the edge of Bouddi National Park, this new family home had to be built to survive the most extreme fire conditions. Compliance with AS3959 BAL-FZ — the highest bushfire attack level classification — was not a consideration after the fact, it was built into every decision from the very beginning.
We were involved with the architect from the early stages, which on a project like this is essential. Getting the material selection, detailing, and construction methodology right from concept stage meant nothing had to be undone or redesigned down the track.
The block was cut into three pads, building from the rear of the site up to the street. The split levels are linked internally, with the garage sitting at road level — a logical response to a steep and challenging site.
Concrete and face brick were chosen as the primary materials, tough enough to withstand a flame zone environment while sitting comfortably within the natural bushland surroundings. Importantly, both materials require little to no maintenance .
Commercial windows are protected by AS1530.8.2 tested bushfire shutters — a critical line of defence at this level of exposure, and not something every builder has experience specifying and installing correctly.
This is a home built for a family who wanted to live in one of the most beautiful and most demanding landscapes on the Central Coast. We made sure it could.
