In Australia, we’re lucky to enjoy the best of coastal life – the sun, the sand, and the gentle sea breezes. However, coastal living also comes with a unique set of problems, specifically the potential damage to homes caused by coastal elements. When designing a beach-ready home, it’s crucial to consider how you can stay one step ahead of corrosion, rust, and extreme weather conditions. Here, we’ve shared our top tips for ensuring your home can withstand the elements, so that you can enjoy coastal living, from choosing durable materials like PVC Fencing to finding the most energy-efficient HVAC system.
Choose Durable, Weather-Resistant Materials
It’s no surprise that coastal homes are often more vulnerable to the elements than those located further inland. The very things that make coastal living so charming are those that can damage our homes – saltwater and sea spray can corrode, the sun’s UV rays can cause damage, and the ocean breeze can quickly turn into a storm. For this reason, choosing weather-resistant materials is absolutely essential when designing a beach-ready home.
When building, opt for materials like stone, steel, and even PVC. PVC fencing is a durable material that can withstand extreme weather conditions and isn’t subject to warping, fading, rusting, or splitting. Although attractive, timber (particularly untreated timber) and low-grade metals are vulnerable to damage and should be avoided. On the other hand, elements like stone pathways and PVC fencing can last for decades, saving you the cost and headache of regular maintenance.
The same goes for other features in your outdoor space. Look for all the ways you can swap out non-durable or high-maintenance building materials with modern alternatives. For example, you can swap out timber decking for advanced composite materials, which, similarly to PVC, won’t rot, warp or fade with the elements like wood does. Composite decking also looks just like wood, so you get the aesthetic benefits with a much more efficient and long-lasting material.
Remember Important Structural Considerations
When building in a flood zone, consider elevated structural designs, such as the classic Queenslander. Stilt or pier foundations allow floodwaters to pass beneath the home, keeping you and your property safer during extreme weather events. Depending on your region, some form of elevation may actually be legally required. In the Gold Coast, residential buildings must keep habitable floors at a minimum of 300 millimetres above the Designated Flood Level.
Having adequate drainage is equally as essential for coastal living to prevent mould, rot, and corrosion. For example, sloped landscaping can keep rainwater flowing away from the property’s foundation rather than toward it. You can also consider investing in a high-quality gutter system. Select a material that won’t rust or corrode, and clean it regularly to remove debris, ensuring the system functions properly.
Opt for an Energy-Efficient Design
For beachside homeowners, location is a double-edged sword when it comes to energy usage. In the summertime, the beating sun can cause overheating and discomfort, making it tempting to turn your aircon on full blast. However, that same sunshine can help keep your home warm during the winter. The sea breezes that cool a home during the height of summer also bring a chill during the colder months. So, to optimise your home’s energy efficiency, it’s important to design wisely.
Consider installing double-glazed windows to better insulate your home while still allowing for cross-ventilation and natural sunlight. Shop for the most efficient HVAC systems – ideally, air-source heat pumps and reverse-cycle air conditioners. Investigate adding solar panels or solar roof tiles to your home for a next-level design that plays to your home’s strengths. And if you go down this avenue, solar batteries can help you store your own energy and use it even when the sun isn’t shining, helping you to seriously lower your annual bills.
Design for the Coastal Lifestyle and Aesthetic
A massive part of designing your home is ensuring that it suits your lifestyle. Coastal homes are often spacious, open, inviting, and filled with natural light and a sense of airiness. If you’d like to maximise the comfort of your home, design with these concepts in mind. Firstly, consider if an open plan living, kitchen, and dining area is something you would like in your home. Doing so can really open the space and optimise the flow and togetherness of the home.
Large windows, skylights, and sliding doors create a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Adding a deck or patio for entertaining can make your home even more welcoming and enjoyable. A neutral colour palette can elevate your home by reflecting the coastal environment – think deep blues, sandy tones, and sage greens. Using native, coastal, and drought-resistant plants in your landscaping can even further enhance the home’s aesthetic.
Maintain Your Home After Completion
Once you’ve completed your build, it’s a good idea to perform regular maintenance to keep up with the effects of coastal wind and weather. Regularly rinse down the exterior of your home, including your PVC fencing and pathways, to remove salt buildup. If necessary, hire a professional to upkeep your gutter systems and inspect your elevated foundation for any weather damage. Periodically add some soil to your landscaping to prevent soil erosion, especially at the home’s foundation. By investing in routine home maintenance, you can avoid the costs associated with major repairs down the line.
Key Takeaways
Building near the coast means thinking ahead. To create a beach-ready home design, remember:
- Choose durable, weather-resistant materials like steel or PVC fencing to help prevent corrosion, rust, splintering, and damage from water, sun, weather and wind.
- Select a structural foundation design (like an elevated Queenslander style) that protects your home from flooding and meets local requirements.
- Opt for energy-efficient choices, such as double-glazed windows, efficient HVAC systems, and solar energy elements.
- Design your interior and exterior to match the laid-back and welcoming coastal lifestyle, highlighting your home’s natural light and airiness.Â
- Maintain your home after the build is complete to ensure you stay ahead of significant repairs.
