Masterpiece Abodes: Wilson Beach House by Charles Wright Architects
The next project in our ‘Masterpiece Abodes’ series, Wilson Beach House by Charles Wright Architects stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability.
This epic beachside home, perched on the stunning coastline, merges striking design with forward-thinking, sustainable living. At the heart of this home’s minimal yet awe-inspiring interior is the Ortal Double Sided, a versatile and functional gas fireplace that perfectly aligns with the home’s grand vision.
A home built to last
Wilson Beach House was designed with a long life cycle in mind, addressing the challenges of climate change and coastal living. The client’s brief called for a low-maintenance, inter-generational beach house that could withstand the harsh coastal environment. The result is a sophisticated structure engineered to protect the site from erosion, storm tides, and salty winds, all while maintaining a passive and sustainable operation.
The home’s design is driven by a commitment to sustainability. An encased and shaded concrete structure provides high thermal performance, reducing power consumption through constant ambient internal temperatures. Extensive water harvesting, solar power generation, and passive cooling systems further enhance the home’s efficiency, making it a model of sustainable living in the 21st century.
Ortal: a functional work of art
Integral to the home’s expansive living room is the panoramic Ortal Tunnel 200 gas fireplace, which adds warmth and ambience to the living spaces without detracting from the breathtaking coastal views. One of the standout features of this fireplace is its ability to offer a clear line of sight through the fire to the panoramic ocean views beyond, thanks to its double-sided design. This means that whether you’re in the living room or the adjacent space, you can enjoy the soothing warmth of the fire while still feeling connected to the stunning natural environment outside.
The fireplace also plays a crucial role in fulfilling the client’s desire for large, flexible entertaining spaces. Wilson Beach House is designed to host everything from intimate family gatherings to grand events like a 120-guest wedding dinner. The Ortal fireplace serves as a natural gathering point within the home, its sleek, modern design enhancing the space without overpowering it. The double-sided feature ensures that the warmth and beauty of the fire can be enjoyed from multiple areas, creating a seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
A perfect balance of form and function
In Wilson Beach House, every design choice has been meticulously considered to balance form and function. The Ortal Double Sided gas fireplace is a prime example of this philosophy in action. It offers not only an efficient and stylish heating solution but also complements the home’s minimalist aesthetic and sustainable design principles. The fireplace’s understated elegance allows it to blend seamlessly into the interior, while its functionality supports the home’s overall aim of creating comfortable, inviting spaces that bring people together.
Wilson Beach House is more than just a home; it’s a testament to what can be achieved when innovative design, sustainability, and luxury converge. The inclusion of the Ortal Double Sided gas fireplace is a key element in this equation, demonstrating that a commitment to sustainability need not come at the expense of comfort or style.
As part of our ‘Masterpiece Abodes’ series, this home stands as a shining example of how contemporary architecture can meet the demands of modern living while respecting and enhancing the natural environment.
Architect – Charles Wright Architects
Builder – Nick Hayes Constructions
Interior Design – Del Castillo
Photography – Brock Beazley
