Hollywood House – Oscar Sainsbury Architects + Insider / Outsider

Heritage and Context

Nestled at a prominent corner of Smiths Beach, Hollywood House is one of the last remaining examples of houses designed by John Baird in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Baird’s designs, constructed in timber and rough-sawn treated pine, prioritized siting, orientation, and minimal site coverage, creating spaces that harmonize with the coastal landscape. Today, Hollywood House stands as a testament to these principles, blending historical architecture with contemporary interventions.

Renovation Philosophy

The renovation sought to honor the original home’s utilitarian materiality and functional simplicity, which had endured over 30 years of family use. The clients required additional accommodation for evolving family needs while preserving the architectural rhythm, scale, and tactile qualities of the original structure. New spaces were carefully integrated only where they improved functionality and strengthened connections to the surrounding environment.

Materials and Construction

Built primarily from timber, plywood, galvanized iron, and glass, the house reflects an economical approach to construction, using materials readily available off-the-shelf. The cube-like form of the original house created a strong volumetric language that responded to the natural slope of the land. The renovation preserved this logic by continuing the scale of rooms, stepped floor plates, and vertical circulation, reusing existing materials wherever possible.

Thoughtful Additions

A modest two-level addition complements the scale and aesthetics of the original house. Timber salvaged on-site from a demolished wall and shed clads the new upper level, which now accommodates a couple or small family for holidays. The ground floor maintains flexible living spaces for extended family occupancy.

Minimal interventions include:

• New openings by stripping walls back to stud frame
• Northern light enhancement
• Louvered windows and hatches for natural airflow
• Upgraded insulation and glazing

These interventions maintain the integrity of the original design while enhancing comfort and performance.

Functional and Adaptive Spaces

Several original elements were retained or repurposed to maximize utility:

• The original staircase remains in use
• A pantry transformed into a closet
• A repositioned shed houses surf and ocean equipment, activating previously unused garden space

Decks across both levels offer a variety of experiences, from fully open ocean views to partially covered retreats shielded from the wind.

Living with Ease

Hollywood House captures a spirit of relaxed coastal living. The home accommodates three generations, designed to withstand the rigors of holiday life while giving generously to its occupants. The result is a harmonious balance of heritage preservation, contemporary interventions, and a deep connection to the surrounding coastal landscape.

All Photographs are works of Rory Gardiner