Tugun Hill House: A Modernist Retreat Blending Architecture with Coastal Landscape

Designed by Studio Locale Architects, Tugun Hill House redefines coastal living by creating a secluded residential retreat that connects harmoniously with its natural surroundings while offering privacy for its residents. Positioned to take full advantage of the sweeping views over the southern Gold Coast coastline, this house challenges traditional beachside home design, drawing on the Gold Coast’s rich history of modernist architecture while honoring the original character of the suburb.

From the street, the home presents a series of simplistic forms integrated into the hillside. The structure – comprising the garage, pool, and house – sits thoughtfully back in the landscape, respecting the residential scale of the neighborhood. Inside, these forms enhance privacy without sacrificing the expansive coastal views. The design concept envisions the house as an eyrie perched on the hill, allowing residents to control their interaction with the outside world and maintain seclusion from neighbors and passersby.

While the elevated position offers stunning vistas, it also exposes the house to the coastal elements. To address this, Studio Locale Architects designed the house to include secluded interior spaces where residents can retreat, all while still enjoying the breathtaking natural surroundings. A north-facing, airy courtyard offers a private connection to the garden, while the long verandah encourages movement through the home and enhances ventilation and sun shading. These design elements create a natural flow through the property, responding dynamically to changing weather conditions.

In terms of materiality, Tugun Hill House breaks away from the typical coastal aesthetic. The architects took inspiration directly from the site, creating a unified relationship between the house and its surroundings. The clay footing of the site is echoed in the rendered base, while the charcoal timber cladding harmonizes with the treed backdrop. Landscaping in complementary tones further strengthens the connection between the natural environment and the architecture.

Tugun Hill House doesn’t just fit into the coastal typology – it carves out its own identity. This architectural retreat embraces sunlight, rain, and wind while fully appreciating the site’s greatest attribute: the view. Through its innovative design, Studio Locale Architects offers a bold and alternative vernacular for coastal homes on the Gold Coast, showcasing a perfect blend of modernism, natural beauty, and architectural ingenuity.

Tours ran throughout the weekend.