Photographs by Jon Linkins & Reiner Blunck

Ogilvie House
Sunshine Beach, Queensland 2002

The site for this house commands spectacular views of Sunshine Beach and the Noosa National Park. The plan form is a direct response to engaging this view while at the same time affording privacy from peering neighbours and protection from the very strong south-easterly winds.

The house is entered through a water court at the lower level. Galleries on either side of the reflection pool lead to the upper floor living areas and alternatively, to a gymnasium and guest accommodation at the lower level overlooking the ocean. On the upper level, the enclosed private spaces are placed at the perimeter of the site and form the boundary of a large, partially roofed living space.

This space measures 36 by 12 metres and comprises various activity zones designed to be used in all weather conditions. It is physically contiguous and reads as one large platform for living. The swimming pool is placed at the outer edge and forms a visually seamless connection to the ocean beyond. The exterior presents a composition of screened boxes that open to, and engage with, the view.

Kerry Hill Architects
Since graduating from the University of Western Australia in 1968, Kerry Hill has spent the past 30 years working as an architect in Southeast Asia, establishing his own office in Singapore in 1979. He has received numerous design awards within the region including the Kenneth F. Brown Asia-Pacific Culture and Architecture Design Award in 1995, the 2001 Aga Khan Award for Architecture and the 2006 Royal Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal. He has been a guest speaker at the universities of Hawaii, Western Australia, Queensland, and Singapore and at national conventions in India, Sri Lanka and Australia. The practice is currently working on a range of projects in Southeast Asia, India, Bhutan, Australia, Japan, Turkey and Croatia. Kerry Hill is a visiting Professor of Architecture at the University of New South Wales.