Simon Wood
Simon is a Sydney based professional photographer, with an extensive portfolio specialising in architecture, landscape architecture and design

The Project
The Surfside House is located on the Southern headland of Avalon Beach on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. The building balances solidity with transparency, opening to the North and oblique views while providing privacy within the sandstone block walls. The entry concrete bridge reveals the depth of the block and the distant western ridge line. External living areas face the popular pedestrian coastal route at the beachside street. The bridge with its elevated enclosed verandah has angled blades providing privacy and shade while enabling beach views.

The open verandah below captures summer breezes across a reflection pond, while the double height stone circulation space glows when it catches the setting sun. The house is built to endure the surfside location and to weather beautifully over time. It is superbly crafted with meticulous details that invite touch.

Architect/Designer: Richard Cole Architecture