Peeking out through the treetops and over Wye River bay, Coolatai House is a coastal getaway anchored by our clients’ love for entertaining and being amongst nature.

Nestled in the coastal town of Wye River along the Great Ocean Road, this three-bedroom retreat was designed as a seamless extension of its natural surroundings. Our clients, deeply connected to the bush from childhood, envisioned a home that would immerse them in nature while maintaining a low-maintenance, robust, and wheelchair-friendly design—one that would stand the test of time and accommodate generations to come. Their love for a raw, industrial aesthetic guided our material choices, while their passion for entertaining shaped the integration of both indoor and outdoor cooking spaces.

In response, we crafted an architectural language that allows the home to float effortlessly amidst the treetops, with a pair of descending planes leading from the entryway into the main living space. Every primary living and sleeping area is oriented to maximize breath-taking views over the bay, while surfaces without direct sightlines to the landscape are carefully specified to reflect the surrounding environment. Thoughtful details—such as Tasmanian timber wall panelling personally sourced by the clients, a mirrored stainless steel kitchen splashback that allows for uninterrupted views even when facing away, and a glass feature in the main ensuite digitally printed with a photograph of the landscape taken by the architect—further anchor the home to its setting. An open fire adds warmth and ambiance, fulfilling the clients’ vision of a space that balances practicality, beauty, and an enduring connection to nature.