Hidden Spring
Hidden Spring
Beach
Beach
A modest timber-clad holiday home at Spring Beach on Tasmania's East Coast, built by Axis Homes. Designed as a shared retreat for two sisters and their families, this project achieves a 7.5 NatHERS energy rating through passive solar principles, locally sourced blue gum cladding, and a compact, thoughtfully organised layout that connects directly to the rugged coastal bush.
A modest timber-clad holiday home at Spring Beach on Tasmania's East Coast, built by Axis Homes. Designed as a shared retreat for two sisters and their families, this project achieves a 7.5 NatHERS energy rating through passive solar principles, locally sourced blue gum cladding, and a compact, thoughtfully organised layout that connects directly to the rugged coastal bush.
Location
Location
Spring Beach, Tasmania
Spring Beach, Tasmania
Spring Beach, Tasmania
Status
Status
Completed 2024
Completed 2024
Completed 2024
Collaborators
Collaborators
Photographer :
Photographer :
Photographer :
Tim Clark Studio
Tim Clark Studio
Tim Clark Studio
Architect :
Architect :
Architect :
Scale Architecture
Scale Architecture
Scale Architecture
The Challenge
The Challenge
The clients wanted a compact, simple getaway to replace a dilapidated cabin — prioritising thoughtful detailing and a connection to the landscape over unnecessary luxury. The rugged East Coast site and small two-bedroom footprint had to comfortably accommodate multiple families while handling cool coastal conditions with minimal mechanical systems.
The clients wanted a compact, simple getaway to replace a dilapidated cabin — prioritising thoughtful detailing and a connection to the landscape over unnecessary luxury. The rugged East Coast site and small two-bedroom footprint had to comfortably accommodate multiple families while handling cool coastal conditions with minimal mechanical systems.
The clients wanted a compact, simple getaway to replace a dilapidated cabin — prioritising thoughtful detailing and a connection to the landscape over unnecessary luxury. The rugged East Coast site and small two-bedroom footprint had to comfortably accommodate multiple families while handling cool coastal conditions with minimal mechanical systems.
Solution
Solution
A central kitchen block divides an intimate sleeping wing from a double-height communal space — maximising flexibility within the small footprint. Tasmanian Oak-lined windows were placed for passive heating and cross-ventilation. Locally sourced blue gum board-and-batten cladding was chosen to weather naturally and recede into the landscape over time.
A central kitchen block divides an intimate sleeping wing from a double-height communal space — maximising flexibility within the small footprint. Tasmanian Oak-lined windows were placed for passive heating and cross-ventilation. Locally sourced blue gum board-and-batten cladding was chosen to weather naturally and recede into the landscape over time.
A central kitchen block divides an intimate sleeping wing from a double-height communal space — maximising flexibility within the small footprint. Tasmanian Oak-lined windows were placed for passive heating and cross-ventilation. Locally sourced blue gum board-and-batten cladding was chosen to weather naturally and recede into the landscape over time.
Outcome
Outcome
A 7.5 NatHERS holiday home requiring minimal mechanical heating or cooling — warm, functional, and deeply connected to the East Coast bush and ocean.
A 7.5 NatHERS holiday home requiring minimal mechanical heating or cooling — warm, functional, and deeply connected to the East Coast bush and ocean.
A 7.5 NatHERS holiday home requiring minimal mechanical heating or cooling — warm, functional, and deeply connected to the East Coast bush and ocean.
Local Context & Climate
Local Context & Climate
Designed for the cool climate of Tasmania's East Coast, this Spring Beach home relies heavily on passive solar principles. The blue gum exterior cladding is locally sourced and chosen to withstand coastal weather, naturally silvering over time to blend seamlessly into the landscape.
Designed for the cool climate of Tasmania's East Coast, this Spring Beach home relies heavily on passive solar principles. The blue gum exterior cladding is locally sourced and chosen to withstand coastal weather, naturally silvering over time to blend seamlessly into the landscape.
Designed for the cool climate of Tasmania's East Coast, this Spring Beach home relies heavily on passive solar principles. The blue gum exterior cladding is locally sourced and chosen to withstand coastal weather, naturally silvering over time to blend seamlessly into the landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this a custom design or an existing floor plan?
A custom design by Scale Architecture, built by Axis Homes — developed to maximise a small footprint for multi-family use on a challenging coastal bush site.
What were the main materials used?
Locally sourced blue gum board-and-batten cladding, Tasmanian Oak window linings, and natural interior finishes chosen to echo the surrounding bush environment.
Do you build homes on the Tasmanian East Coast?
Yes, Axis Homes takes on projects along the East Coast and across Tasmania. Contact us to discuss your site and brief.
Was this a custom design or an existing floor plan?
A custom design by Scale Architecture, built by Axis Homes — developed to maximise a small footprint for multi-family use on a challenging coastal bush site.
What were the main materials used?
Locally sourced blue gum board-and-batten cladding, Tasmanian Oak window linings, and natural interior finishes chosen to echo the surrounding bush environment.
Do you build homes on the Tasmanian East Coast?
Yes, Axis Homes takes on projects along the East Coast and across Tasmania. Contact us to discuss your site and brief.
Was this a custom design or an existing floor plan?
A custom design by Scale Architecture, built by Axis Homes — developed to maximise a small footprint for multi-family use on a challenging coastal bush site.
What were the main materials used?
Locally sourced blue gum board-and-batten cladding, Tasmanian Oak window linings, and natural interior finishes chosen to echo the surrounding bush environment.
Do you build homes on the Tasmanian East Coast?
Yes, Axis Homes takes on projects along the East Coast and across Tasmania. Contact us to discuss your site and brief.
