Cross House
This is a contemporary holiday home located at Omaha Beach.
The design approach taken was to create an L-shaped form that gives shelter from the road, neighbouring houses and prevailing weather, and creates a private sunny courtyard area for outdoor living.
Primary living spaces have been placed at ground level to connect seamlessly to the outdoor decks and pool. However, in order to capture the coastal views, a secret roof deck has been incorporated. The stairs are placed to encourage the journey to this ‘crows nest’ from the entry and kitchen area. Placed between these levels are the bedrooms on the first floor, separated into two wings.
The house is comprised of a pair of double storey concrete boxes joined by a screened glass link. Entry to the house is via a double height slatted door. Vehicles enter by way of a sliding slatted screen. To the rear of the building the main box is hollowed out to allow the living area to merge into the exterior space.
The exterior is an exposed precast panel formed on a rough sawn timber face, giving a weathered rustic patina. The Cross House re-interprets the coastal holiday house genre and provides a simple casual setting for family and friends to relax.
Photography by Patrick Reynolds