‘The Captain’ – Charles Sturt Residence

An award-winning contemporary courtyard beach house designed for accessible living in Grange, South Australia.

2013 SA Architecture Awards | Commendation – Residential Architecture

Set 400m behind the Grange sand dunes and near Captain Charles Sturt’s cottage, ‘The Captain’ was designed to maximise space on a subdivided block and accommodate an ageing couple. The design was awarded a commendation by the SA Institute of Architects in 2013 for residential architecture.

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Design approach

‘The Captain’ demonstrates how thoughtful residential architecture can support greater suburban density without compromising amenity. We designed the home for a narrow, subdivided block, exploring a sustainable house type suited to skinnier allotments while still providing space, light, privacy and long-term liveability.

Our clients wanted a home that would maximise the site while continuing to support them as they grew older. In response, we incorporated universal design principles across key areas including bathrooms, handrails and bedroom circulation. To overcome the constraints of the narrow block, we introduced a central courtyard that brings a garden aspect into the heart of the home, while still allowing for three off-street car parks at the rear.

From the outset, we applied environmentally sustainable design principles through both passive and active responses to local climate conditions. Natural light, open spaces and strong indoor-outdoor connections help create a healthier, more comfortable and more sustainable living environment.

Built on an 8m x 50m allotment, the four-bedroom residence extends to the site boundaries to maximise usable space. A landscaped central courtyard and swimming pool bring light, ventilation and outdoor connection into the centre of the home, while carefully positioned openings and a simple roof form with cut-out structures create moments of airflow, natural light and material contrast.

We balanced low-maintenance steel cladding and structure with recycled and new timber in protected and internal areas, softening the feel of the home. Red brick references the character of the former Adelaide cottage, while Kanmantoo stone from the Adelaide Hills adds contrast, texture and solidity.