Cobbadah Beach House
Residential
Cobbadah Beach House is a coastal residence designed for a recently retired couple, located at Tugun – a relaxed surfside town on Queensland’s southern Gold Coast. Perched on a ridge above the beach, the home enjoys sweeping views north to South Stradbroke Island and south to Coolangatta Headland, nestled within a densely vegetated bluff that played a vital role in informing the architectural response.
The clients had long held a deep connection to the site, having owned a weathered holiday cottage there for over two decades. With the original dwelling beyond repair, they commissioned a new home that would become their permanent residence – a place to gather with their adult children and grandchildren, and one that would support aging in place.
The architectural intent was to seamlessly integrate the built form with its natural surroundings. The rich, jungle-like character of the vegetation inspired the home’s material palette – deep greens, earthy browns, textural granites, brass accents, and timber linings that echo the tones of the surrounding landscape.
As noted by architect Craig Hayman, "The house turned out beautifully, and the Glosswood cladding for internal walls, ceiling, and soffits are definitely among the stars of the show."
Glosswood’s Spotted Gum Matte lining boards were used for the soffits, their warm brown and honey hues harmonising with the surrounding native vegetation. To maintain material continuity, the Spotted Gum was used internally in a Satin finish, offering a more refined aesthetic to complement the contemporary interior selections.
In the double-height void over the living and kitchen space, Glosswood’s Triple Profile lining in White Satin was selected.This provided a crisp, textural contrast while still referencing natural timber elements, allowing it to sit effortlessly alongside the timber flooring and broader palette.
Cobbadah Beach House is a case study in site-responsive design – a home that honours its place, embraces multi-generational living, and elevates materiality through thoughtful, cohesive detailing.
