Unique Modular Construction - The Tamarama Project by Modscape

Project Feature

Tamarama, NSW, Australia

Nestled in its coastal setting of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, The Tamarama House by Modscape is a timeless and light-filled family home. Utilising their cleverly crafted modular construction system, this home asks us to rethink the standard process of residential construction.

Channeling the original architectural intent by Fox Johnson Architects, who designed the initial architectural plans, Modscape cleverly made their clients’ vision come to life in the form of the Tamarama House utilising their modular construction system. Located in Tamarama New South Wales, the connection to the coast and the typical architectural typography is clear. The connectivity between the interior and exterior spaces is effortless, and the deliberate connection between the front and rear of the house unfolds as you move through the space. With emphasis on optimising the abundance of natural light available to the site, large spanning openings are dotted throughout, allowing for ease of cross-ventilation.

The Tamarama House by Modscape is a timeless and light-filled family home.

Within walking distance from the beachfront, there is a lightness to this house that references the traditional coastal home. A combination of blackened Cambia Ash and James Hardie Scyon Stria cladding comprises the bulk of the exterior shell and references a weatherboard aesthetic. A series of double-glazed openings with timber batten screens allow for filtered light to enter the spaces, while also adding a textural dimension to the façade. Internally, the palette sees an extension of this timeless, classic materiality unfold. American oak timber flooring and joinery elements add a warmth, while clean lines and concealed storage add hidden amenity throughout.

Modscape’s philosophy is founded on an ethos of making good design affordable. Their pillars center on time efficiency, quality materials, Australian fabrication and a fixed-cost approach, and together with an ability to customise design, they can offer affordable and modular housing options for their clients. Constructed out of their hub in Brooklyn (20 minutes outside of Melbourne), they can control the construction variables (meaning they are not affected by in-climate weather) and have more control over timeframes and program. In this case, the design was inspired from the original architectural intent, and interpreted based on their modular system.

The connectivity between the interior and exterior spaces is effortless, and the deliberate connection between the front and rear of the house unfolds as you move through the space.

Throughout the Tamarama House, there is an effort to connect to beyond the exterior walls, and the extension of materiality reaching past the façade and into the landscape is testament to this. Incorporating the existing sandstone plinth, remnants from the previous structure, into the landscape architecture, creates an anchor to the history of the site. Modscape has combined their well-engineered system of modularity together with the domestic dream and brief for a growing family, and proposed a thought-provoking approach to how we can build future homes.

Within walking distance from the beachfront, there is a lightness to this house that references the traditional coastal home.