Pandolfini Architects built the Sorrento Beach House on the southeastern coast of Australia, at the edge of Port Phillip Bay. A refined contemporary design re-imagines the holiday homes of the past.

Architect Pandolfini Architects created the beach house for a family who has spent an extensive amount of time in the area over the years. An ideal retreat for family and friends alike, the property features five pavilions arranged around a garden. The design pays homage to vernacular architecture and traditional holiday houses. The volumes all have gable roofs and familiar forms, as well as light brick walls. Pavilions also have a low profile and blend naturally into the coastline.

The architects used the five volumes to create clearly defined spaces that allow for flexibility. Between them, communal and secluded outdoor areas provide the perfect balance of private and social spaces. Orientation and height of the structures, as well as carefully placed openings, help conceal the surrounding holiday homes. Glass corridors connect the pavilions, allowing the residents to immerse themselves in the coastal setting continuously.

A tactile material palette was used throughout the studio, along with light colors and rare accents. Aside from the white brick walls, this house also features weathered timber, woven pendant lights, textured tiles, and wooden furniture. Additionally, white walls and ceiling rafters enhance the feeling of calm and brightness in the house. In the bathroom, blue tiles add a splash of color to the minimalist design, while in the living room and kitchen, light blue details evoke the sea. There is also a modern swimming pool with a lounge area, adding the perfect finishing touch to the beach house design.