Fairhaven House By LTD Architectural Design Studio + DOOD Studio

Located along Victoria’s iconic Surf Coast in Australia, Fairhaven House by LTD Architectural Design Studio in collaboration with DOOD Studio is a contemporary coastal residence that balances bold material expression with a deep sensitivity to its landscape. Designed as a dwelling that captures expansive ocean views while responding to the rugged coastal environment, the house presents a striking architectural identity shaped by contrast, texture, and openness.

A Strong Coastal Presence

Positioned to overlook the dramatic terrain of the Surf Coast and the Great Ocean Road, the house asserts itself through a robust yet refined exterior. The façade is wrapped in UniCote steel cladding, giving the building a crisp, contemporary appearance that shifts subtly with changing light conditions.

This steel envelope is complemented by timber elements, creating a dialogue between industrial precision and natural warmth. From the street, the house appears as a sculptural object, its clean lines and material contrasts emphasizing its presence within the coastal landscape. From elevated viewpoints, the roof and cladding reinforce this identity, allowing the house to be read as a cohesive form embedded within its surroundings.

The choice of materials is not purely aesthetic. Steel provides durability against harsh coastal weather conditions, including strong winds and salt exposure, while timber introduces a tactile quality that softens the overall composition.

Organization Across Two Levels

Fairhaven House is organized across two levels, carefully arranged to maximize views and functional efficiency. Entry occurs at the ground level, which serves as the primary living zone.

This upper level accommodates an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, along with the master bedroom suite and an additional bedroom and bathroom. The decision to place key living spaces on this level ensures direct access to panoramic views and natural light.

The lower level contains more private and service-oriented spaces, including a third bedroom, laundry, mudroom, bathroom, and a flexible den that can function as a fourth bedroom. This arrangement allows for separation between social and private functions while maintaining a cohesive spatial flow.

The layout reflects a clear understanding of contemporary living patterns, offering flexibility for both family life and guest accommodation.

Framing the Landscape

One of the defining features of the house is its relationship to the surrounding landscape. The ground-level living areas open onto an expansive deck that extends toward the ocean. This outdoor platform acts as an extension of the interior, blurring the boundary between inside and outside.

From this vantage point, occupants can take in uninterrupted views of the Surf Coast, with the horizon becoming an integral part of daily life. The master bedroom also benefits from this orientation, offering views down the Great Ocean Road and across the coastline.

Large openings and carefully positioned glazing ensure that natural light penetrates deep into the interior. The architecture frames the landscape rather than competing with it, allowing the environment to remain the focal point.

Interior Material Palette

Inside, the house adopts a rich yet restrained material palette that reinforces its connection to nature. Timber cladding lines both walls and ceilings, creating a warm and cohesive interior atmosphere. This continuous use of wood enhances the sense of enclosure while maintaining visual softness.

Stone elements are introduced as focal features, particularly in the living area and staircase. These surfaces add texture and weight, grounding the interior composition. Polished concrete floors provide durability and contrast, balancing the warmth of timber with a cooler, more refined finish.

Subtle accents of deep green are incorporated into the kitchen and bathrooms. These touches of color evoke the surrounding vegetation and coastal landscape, adding depth without overwhelming the neutral palette.

Together, these materials create an environment that is both contemporary and inviting, an interior that feels connected to its context while offering comfort and sophistication.

Living with the Coast

The design of Fairhaven House reflects an understanding of the unique conditions of coastal living. Exposure to wind, salt, and changing weather requires materials and construction methods that are both resilient and adaptable.

At the same time, the house embraces its setting. The expansive deck, large windows, and open-plan layout encourage interaction with the outdoors. The architecture does not isolate its occupants from the environment but instead enhances their experience of it.

The use of native and grassy landscaping further reinforces this connection. Over time, the vegetation will grow to envelop the property, softening its edges and integrating it more fully into the coastal terrain.

A Balance of Strength and Warmth

Fairhaven House achieves a careful balance between strength and warmth. The steel-clad exterior conveys durability and precision, while the timber-lined interior introduces softness and comfort. This duality reflects the broader relationship between architecture and landscape, between the constructed and the natural.

The house is both a shelter and a viewing platform, offering protection from the elements while opening itself to the expansive coastal scenery. Its design demonstrates how contemporary residential architecture can respond to environmental conditions without compromising on aesthetic quality.

All the Photographs are works of Timothy Kaye