Stradbroke Edition: Surfscape

A coastal compound where form follows family
Completion Date: 2024
Architect: Anna O’Gorman Architects

Surfscape is a beach house designed with generosity of space and spirit—where the needs of a multigenerational family are met with ease, and the natural beauty of Stradbroke Island is always centre stage. Perched on a site that slopes towards the sea, with uninterrupted views out to Moreton Island, this home was conceived as a place for up to 12 family members to holiday together. But it also had to feel calm and comfortable when just the two owners visit. The design response is both sensitive and clever: a pair of side-by-side houses, each formed by a series of connected pods that create separation and privacy, while large decks and communal spaces draw everyone together.

These breezeway-connected pods allow for passive cooling and a sense of ease that reflects island life. At the lower level, an expansive deck becomes the heart of the home, where a beloved ping-pong table holds court and long, lazy afternoons are shared across generations. Inside, open-plan living and dining spaces upstairs are oriented to frame the ocean views, creating a natural hub for meals, games and stories.

Each house includes a self-contained studio, offering a private escape for the owners when visiting alone, or simply a quiet place to retreat amid the bustle of a full house. The interiors are lined with warm plywood, offering a nod to the simplicity and comfort of traditional beach shacks, while playful teal accents reference the surrounding ocean. Patterns in the tiles and benchtops subtly evoke sand, shells and seafoam—details that make the house feel intrinsically part of its setting. Externally, fibre cement sheeting and timber battens provide durability in the salt-laden air. Over time, the battened timber will weather and grey, blending beautifully with the bushland tones of the island.

Surfscape is more than a holiday home—it’s a place of gathering, grounding and joyful connection. Designed for adaptability, it gives its family a space to grow, rest and celebrate in all seasons, creating a future of cherished island memories.