13th Beach House 1, by Auhaus
Only recently did I discover Auhaus, a small Australian architecture firm with a focus on finely crafted detail and a meticulous approach to materiality. In fact, they are so fussed about the details that they seem to be gradually developing their own range of interior elements; including lighting and door hardware. This practice’s interior spaces are so thoroughly thought through, and this is what fascinates me so about them. Their design approach throws back to that of the great architecture classics of the mid 20th century, including Le Corbusier and Alvar Aalto, who considered interior space, and its details, as important as the architectural form as a whole. These great architects not only designed the building, but also its interior fixtures and fittings, and often the furniture. What can I say – as an interiors advocate, I love the time and attention that Auhaus give to every aspect of their architecture, and I think this careful thought is evident in their finished products.
13th Beach House 1 is a fine example of the Auhaus design aesthetic, and describes a very contemplative architecture, which is the result of the careful distillation of many design influences. The house is several things at once… Its curved inner lounge room and entry are reminiscent of the Aalto’s Finnish brick and timber masterpieces; the central, walled courtyard pulls forth images of whitewashed Spanish haciendas; its selective, timber framed picture windows take one to the hot desert houses of Arizona and New Mexico (especially to the work of Rick Joy); and the crisp, neat timber cladding lands us on an isolated Australian beach. It is all quite wonderful!
Take special note of the lighting when browsing these images – it is a very deliberate composition of form, finesse, and function in itself.
All images by Auhaus





A quiet reading space half way up the stairs provides views of the interior space, exterior form, and the landscape beyond.

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