Category Archives: Coastal Living

Preparing to build your dream coastal home is exciting. And with some good planning, your home can be designed to make the most of those stunning ocean views and fresh sea breezes, whilst also withstanding the environmental effects of coastal conditions.

Coastal weather can present unique challenges for our homes, including unpredictable weather, and corrosion and rust from the salty air.

An experienced builder can support you to choose durable natural materials for your home that give you that sought after coastal aesthetic and withstand the harsh conditions.

Here we’re sharing how to make the most of natural materials in your build, with durable products designed for coastal conditions.

Durable materials for your home’s exterior

The exterior materials you choose for your home provide the first layer of protection against the elements.

Because coastal houses face extreme conditions (which can lead to a faster deterioration of materials), it’s important to choose materials that can withstand the environment. 

Strong materials for external walls and roofing

Treated native timber

Native timber can outlast imported wood in a coastal climate, and is a more eco-friendly choice.

Composite Timber

Made with a sustainable combination of woodchips and recycled plastic, composite timber is both hard-wearing and sustainable, making it a positive choice for your build.

Natural stone

Highly durable, natural stone withstands the salty sea air. You can choose from a wide range of colours to suit your desired aesthetic.

Colorbond

Colorbond’s corrosion-resistant metal cladding (and roofing) has been developed specifically for coastal conditions.

Concrete

A durable and versatile choice, concrete blends well with wood and other natural materials and also provides insulation from the elements.

The perfect summer deck made with materials that will last

A popular feature of many Australian coastal homes is the deck – perfect for cooling off and enjoying a summer barbeque with friends and family, and soaking in the warm, winter sun.

Composite timber decking

Strong and light weight, composite timber decking is an excellent choice for durable, easy-care decking that’s a breeze to clean and maintain. Made from recycled wood fibre and plastics, it’s a great way to add sustainable materials into your build.

Stone pavers

Luxe up a terrace deck with beautiful stone pavers that can be colour matched to your exterior. Geometric placement or organic shapes can be chosen to suit the style of your home.

Garden paths that stand the test of time

If you plan to create paths through your coastal garden, it’s important to choose materials that can last through rain, wind and foot traffic.

Natural stone

Natural stone is a popular choice, that’s durable and looks at home throughout the landscape.

Timber steps

Create terracing with timber steps to lead guests to enjoy every area of your coastal block.

Durable materials for the interior of your coastal home

Frequently used areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and floors require special attention in any home.

Entertain with style and ease

Natural stone

Long-lasting and easy to clean, stone is a highly durable natural material that instantly adds a touch of style to your home and reflects coastal colours.

Incorporate stone into your coastal home with stone benchtops in the kitchen and bathroom(s).

Timber flooring

Timber brings instant warmth to your home, and are a great option for your coastal home, adding texture and natural colour to every space

If you’re ready to get started on the construction of your very own coastal home, get in touch with Jake and the team at Smartbuild South Coast today!

When building in a coastal environment, it’s important to integrate the luxury of living in a premium location with your vision for the project. With multiple design considerations that can bring a coastal home to life, we’ve collated our top tips to help you get started.

Continue reading to discover how you can capture the natural beauty of your coastal landscape.

Indoor-Outdoor Living

Take advantage of your proximity to nature with outdoor living areas where you can either relax and unwind or entertain family and friends. We recommend creating open-plan living spaces both inside and out to allow for seamless transition between indoor and outdoor zones – maximising the liveability and comfort of your home.

Create a connection between inside and out through French or sliding glass doors that allow you to move effortlessly between spaces. We also recommend incorporating a mix of reclaimed or natural materials inside your home for a modern, minimalist aesthetic that ties together inside and out.

Consider Your Lifestyle

One of the key benefits of building a coastal home is that the design possibilities are endless. With complete creative control, you can work with your builder to find bespoke solutions that help you achieve your dream lifestyle within your set budget.

Whether you’d like a second-storey balcony with a sunrise view or an outdoor shower to minimise sandy footprints through the house, your builder can translate these needs into a striking custom home design.

Maximise Waterfront Views

Much of the charm of building a coastal home is the potential for ocean views. There are multiple ways to incorporate waterfront views into your coastal home. We recommend working with your builder to integrate this factor into your home design early on.

At Smartbuild South Coast, we often have clients request large windows in bedrooms and balconies on upper stories to capitalise on waterfront views. If possible, we also suggest making your sea view the primary focal point in the orientation of your home – think strategically-placed windows and large sliding glass doors. These factors will allow you to showcase the outdoors from the comfort of your home with ease.

Natural Lighting

The right lighting can make all the difference in your home build. We recommend a spacious, open floorplan for your living areas to allow light to carry through your spaces as you transition from room to room. Options such as floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights are also great solutions to welcome in natural light and live on the brighter side.

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Ready to build your very own coastal home? Get in touch with the friendly team at Smartbuild South Coast today.

If you’ve been flicking through home design magazines of late, you may have noticed a big shift towards coastal and Hamptons-style homes. Both design trends have become increasingly popular in Australian home design, especially in coastal regions such as the Illawarra. 

Although both design styles are inspired by the beach lifestyle, there are subtle nuances between the two that speak to different tastes. Hamptons style marries elegance and luxury with understated nods towards the seaside theme, whereas coastal style is raw and bohemian, bringing elements of the outdoors in.  

Read on to discover which style would suit you best.

The coastal trend: rustic chic that brings the outside in

Strolling barefoot from the sand and straight into your dream beach house… This is the relaxed vibe that coastal style brings to your home. This design trend is very popular along the South Coast and Illawarra region, where laidback beachside living is fully embraced.

A feeling of lightness and airiness is key to the coastal look, with a flowing layout used as a way to bring the outdoors in. Those who enjoy colour may prefer this style over the muted tones of the Hamptons. Look to the outside landscape for your colour palette – take your lead from the sea with a variety of blue hues and seafoam greens or add gold and yellow accents as a nod to sun-kissed sands. 

Native elements such as seashells, pebbles and reclaimed timber all work beautifully for the coastal look. When selecting fabrics and rugs, lean towards more natural textures such as raffia and linen, which will complement the raw wood and outdoorsy elements.

The Hamptons trend: luxe living inspired by the beach

Any New York A-lister worth their salt has a summer home in the Hamptons. A two-hour drive from Manhattan, this upscale seaside location is the birthplace of this timeless design trend. 

Marrying the seaside vibe with a dash of luxury, Hamptons style offers a much more polished finish than coastal style. A blank canvas of tasteful neutrals and lots of white space sets the scene, with accents of blue, steel grey or taupe used sparingly. Think glossy rather than rustic: polished floors and dark timber paired with crisp shaker-style cabinetry. Perhaps most iconic of the Hamptons style is exterior weatherboard cladding, which gives a subtle and tasteful nod to its coastal origins.

The finishing touches bring this sophisticated look together. Luxe cashmere throws, paisley silks, botanical artwork and fresh flowers are all typically ‘Hamptons’.  

Enjoy the best of both worlds

Creating your own home is about ensuring everything is to your taste, so why not tear up the rule book and cherry-pick aspects of both styles that you like? This Werri Beach home seamlessly integrates the two themes for the ultimate in relaxed coastal elegance.   

Looking to create a design that blends perfectly with the coastal lifestyle? Get in touch with the expert team at Smartbuild South Coast today and let’s chat about your dream home. 

Ocean views, fresh sea breeze and a beach within walking distance – who wouldn’t love to build a coastal home? While there are many upsides to living beside the beach, there are certain factors you’ll need to consider when you plan a new home by the coast. 

For example, the weather can be a lot more unpredictable than in other parts of the country, meaning you’ll need to use sturdy materials in the build. You’ll also need to do a little more research when it comes to choosing your builder, as only an expert will be able to ensure your new home is fit for purpose. 

Here, we reveal the top 3 things to consider when planning a coastal home – and how, with an experienced builder like Smartbuild South Coast, you can turn your dreams of beachside living into reality.

Only certain materials will do

Because of the sand and salt in the air, you’ll need to ensure your home is built with materials that can withstand the elements. It’s important to stay realistic when making your plans and bear in mind that you won’t be able to use just any material you want – for example, salt may corrode certain metals and sand can erode finishes.

Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful options available. Timber lends a rustic feel to your coastal home and looks fabulous as flooring, whether you go for engineered hardwood veneer or the real deal.

You can’t beat concrete when it comes to durability and it’s also incredibly easy to maintain. An added bonus is that it lends a polished industrial-chic look to your home.

The best metal to use is stainless steel. Pick the correct grade and it can last you a lifetime, provided you clean and maintain it regularly. 

Prepare for all weathers

Unfortunately, living by the seaside doesn’t guarantee year-round beach weather. Storms are particularly common on the coast, so you’ll need to prepare for more extreme weather than you might in the city. 

Get ready for strong winds and heavy rain by choosing high-quality materials for all exterior parts of the building – think roof, windows and decking. Spending a little more is well worth it when you consider the level of damage and future costs it can save you. 

Make sure all outdoor furniture can easily be covered up or stored inside to protect it from the wind and rain. As for enjoying the views on days you can’t sit outside, incorporating floor-to-ceiling windows is a great way to create the illusion of being outdoors even when it’s blowing a gale outside.

Rules and regulations 

Many coastal areas place height restrictions on residential builds, meaning your dream home may have to be a little smaller than planned. However, an experienced builder will find ways to work around any height limits, ensuring you won’t need to miss out on those ocean views.

When you work with someone who’s seen and done it all before, you can relax knowing they’ll take care of everything, from sourcing the best materials to ensuring you have all the right permits, and that your build sits within local regulations.

If you’re ready to get started on a custom home build on the South Coast of NSW, get in touch with Jake and the team at Smartbuild South Coast today.

Your home is your sanctuary and should be a place of peace and tranquillity – something many of us find in nature. 

If you’re lucky enough to live in an area of natural beauty, opposite a beach or a park for example, there are many things you can do to capitalise on your surroundings. 

But even if you live in a town or city, there are plenty of ways to add a touch of the natural world to your interiors. Here, we reveal the best tips and tricks for bringing the outside into your home.

Use natural materials

Incorporating natural materials into your home design is an effective and easy way to bring the outside in. Stone and wood are particularly versatile and can be used in many different ways, from flooring to fixtures. Marble benchtops, stone basins and exposed timber beams are just some of the popular ways to add an outdoors feel to your home.

If the area you live in is renowned for producing a particular material – such as limestone or beautiful timber – you could use these to add an extra personal touch to your décor. 

Fill your home with plants

This has to be one of the simplest ways to introduce the natural world into your home – fill every possible corner with houseplants. Greenery in bathrooms adds a spa-like feel, while a green wall in the living room is a stunning feature that turns your home into a veritable Eden.

Don’t be afraid to think big when it comes to plants – use large planters to display small trees within the home for a tropical, oasis-like atmosphere. On an even larger scale, some people build their homes around native trees on their plot of land, literally letting nature take over the indoors. 

Let there be light

There are so many benefits to creating light, breezy spaces: rooms feel bigger, more inviting and – most importantly – connected to nature. If you’re lucky enough to live opposite a beach or park, maximise this by using floor-to-ceiling windows or sliding glass doors to capitalise on the views. 

Even if you don’t have a view, you can use skylights and large windows to let sunlight stream in. This is particularly effective in rooms that open up onto a backyard or terrace, where plants and trees are the stars of the show.

Create a flowing indoor-outdoor space 

Invite nature in by seamlessly blending your indoor and outdoor spaces. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using the same kind of flooring throughout your patio and the indoor space that connects to it.

By keeping the flooring at the same height and adding sliding glass doors, you can effortlessly use your outdoor living area as an extension to your home. Simply slide open the doors in summer and move between the two with ease – it’s a particularly great option for family BBQs or parties. 

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Feeling inspired? Get in touch with Smartbuild South Coast today and let’s discuss how we can help bring the outside into your new home.

As this tumultuous year comes to a close and summer quickly approaches, it’s never been more important to have a functional outdoor living area for relaxation and entertaining. An outdoor living space plays an important role in the home – not only is it a communal spot where the whole family can come together, it’s the perfect place for hosting social gatherings or soaking up some South Coast sunshine.

With so many options out there, it can be difficult to settle on one particular design or style that suits your home and backyard. But, we’re here to help! Keep reading to discover our favourite outdoor living ideas to inspire your new home. 

Create synergy with the indoors 

When you’re deciding on where to place your deck, or the configuration of certain landscaping elements, ensure that you’re considering the orientation and layout of your home. It’s always smart to have decking extend outwards from the interior kitchen or dining space, as this creates a seamless flow between the indoors and outdoors. 

You could also consider kitchen windows that open out to your outdoor area, which is perfect for entertaining guests and eating alfresco-style. 

Think shade 

Living on the South Coast has so many wonderful benefits including the weather, but our summers can get pretty hot! If you’re looking to create a versatile and dynamic space that can be enjoyed all year round, you’ll need to make sure your outdoor living area is well shaded. 

This could involve anything from building your alfresco dining area beneath a selection of leafy trees or constructing a verandah that will provide a reprieve from the heat.

Invest in an outdoor kitchen 

A weekend barbecue is an integral part of laid-back Australian living, but why not take your entertaining skills a step further and invest in an proper outdoor kitchen? You’ll be able to cook up a storm without being relegated to the indoors and in turn create a truly alfresco dining experience. To get the full outdoor cooking experience, you could install a state-of-the-art grill, marble countertops, drinks fridge and even a washing up station.

Quality lighting is a must 

Dining or relaxing outdoors is all about creating a warm, inviting ambiance that will draw people into the space, so getting the light right is a must. To create a soft and subdued atmosphere, you can’t go past fairy lights or outdoor lamps.

For safety and so the space can be enjoyed at night, have task lights installed near any steps or food prep areas. To make the space more dramatic and dynamic, you can also place lights around the pool and certain plants. 

Luxurious and comfy furnishings 

There are a range of great outdoor furniture options that are both aesthetically stunning and highly durable. To pull your outliving living area together, it’s essential to decorate the space with inviting couches, rugs, dining tables, cushions and any other waterproof or durable decor that suits your personal style. 

Looking to nail the outdoor living area in your new South Coast home? Get in touch with Jake and the team at Smartbuild South Coast and let’s talk about your options!

Over the last few decades, the coastal home has become synonymous with sophistication and luxury. However, what differentiates a coastal home isn’t just the environment it is situated in; in fact, there are a number of elements that make a coastal home unique. 

Keep reading to discover our top 5 favourite features and how you can integrate them into your own coastal home design…

1. Waterfront views

Generally, the most popular reason for building a coastal home is to enjoy picturesque views overlooking the sea. A coastal home takes advantage of the natural landscape and is positioned to maximise the surrounds.

There are a multitude of ways to integrate waterfront views into a coastal home. First and foremost, opt for large floor-to-ceiling windows in water-facing areas. If you decide to include a balcony or alfresco area, use large door openings as a functional way to connect the inside and out.

2. Indoor-outdoor living

Building a home which seamlessly connects with its natural surroundings is especially important for coastal builds. Take advantage of your proximity to nature and incorporate this into your design as much as possible. Beaches, ocean views and greenery are the basis of your home’s atmosphere and, when your design is done right, can bring a sense of serenity and sophistication to your space.

We recommend establishing seamless transitions through elements like sliding doors, which will help create flow between zones. Another option is to use the same flooring material for your indoor and outdoor spaces to create a seamless open-plan space.

3. A durable exterior

While scenery is vital in a coastal home, functionality is just as important and waterfront homes are far more susceptible to the elements. This means exterior materials should be durable, long-lasting and able to withstand coastal conditions – from sea spray and corrosive coastal winds to damage from extreme heat.

These environmental factors can cause materials to deteriorate at a faster pace than normal. It’s important to be mindful of these impacts when selecting your exterior materials and ensure the longevity of the product selected.

4. Abundant lighting

A coastal home is filled with an abundance of natural light. Whether through floor-to ceiling windows, bi-fold doors or a selection of skylights, sunlight is welcomed into a coastal home in a variety of ways.

Large windows also pair well with an open floor plan as these encourage air flow and ensure a home is well-ventilated, while protecting from the temperatures outside. Glass with heat-reflectivity and specialised blinds are recommended as well, as you don’t want to find yourself living in an actual green house!

5. Keep it natural  

Coastal homes are best suited to a mix of natural elements and a clean-cut minimalist aesthetic. We recommend a starting with a base of white and accentuating with other colours such as cool tone blues and greens. A crisp, white interior will allow you to achieve a sophisticated and understated look, while also enhancing your plentiful natural lighting. 

Natural textures such as wicker, rattan and weathered wood are also ideal choices as they’ll help keep the palette neutral. Timber panelling, timber floors and high ceilings are also perfect for an open-plan coastal home.

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If you’re ready to get started on the construction of your very own coastal home, get in touch with Jake and the team at Smartbuild South Coast today!