Shorebird

Shorebird is a residential single-family house by Those Architects in Cronulla, New South Wales (2018–2023). Located in southern Sydney with views over Bate Bay, the beachside site was hemmed in by neighbours, so the design prioritises light, air, and privacy. Long sides of the house are subtly pinched to vary internal space and create room for verdant gardens between the dwelling and adjoining properties.

A northern internal courtyard is the second key move: a light-filled void that floods interiors and becomes the focal hinge between main and secondary living spaces, with circulation revolving around it. The ground floor opens along a clear axis from entrance through outdoor living to a swimming pool, with steps differentiating levels and responding to existing slope. The western street façade minimises windows for privacy and afternoon-sun protection; openings for a children’s rumpus and upper bedroom are recessed for similar reasons. Large courtyard windows maximise daylight and garden connection, while smaller side openings support cross-ventilation.

Materials are chosen for salt and wind exposure as well as local character: large smoothly finished sandstone on vertical surfaces, horizontal concrete accents, anodized aluminium doors and windows, limestone flooring, rough-rendered landscape walls, and warmer interiors of Blackbutt timber, marble, and soft linens. Planting is native, salt-tolerant, and low-water. The project page also notes thermal mass, solar panels, and large water tanks as part of strong passive design principles.