TROPICAL HIDEAWAY, QLD

A tropical beach glamping pad designed to be locked up and left to the elements.

On a remote island off North Queensland, Australia, this one-bedroom beach house has a simple, structured plan contained within just 100 square metres.

Exposed to the extremes of tropical weather, the guiding principle was to incorporate glass against wind and rain and shutters for the heat and humidity.

The rooftop lantern allows for the upward ventilation of hot air. The house transforms when closed up for protection from cyclones, but still ventilates.

Materials are natural and where possible local. Low maintenance hardwood timbers and local basalt wrap around the concrete base. Stone walls ground the structure in its native environment. The aim is for the timber and stone to age and eventually blends in with the surrounding tropical landscape.

This house is designed for true indoor/outdoor living.

Completed 2011