A Coastal Shack Reimagined - The Apollo Bay Beach House by Dock 4 Architects

On the shores of Apollo Bay on Tasmania’s Bruny Island, an angular black-clad form emerges from the coastal vegetation. The Apollo Bay House by Dock 4 Architects is a unique structure, designed as a built tent-like layer protecting the original cedar shack that sits at its centre.

The timber shack originally occupied the beautiful rural site, and the client sought to maintain this existing building while expanding it to encompass four bedrooms. Dock 4 approached this challenge by designing new spaces besides, in front of and above the original shack. These new spaces are defined by their high ceilings and angled walls that contrast with the older, more traditional rectilinear rooms.