Project Ambitions: Building a Legacy
The client's vision for the Dicky Beach House was ambitious: a low-maintenance, inter-generational resort-style beach house built to withstand the harsh coastal environment while providing maximum ocean views, longevity, and minimal maintenance.
“Ideally, they wanted a house that was going to last 100 plus years,” explained Charles Wright, Director of Charles Wright Architects. “They had this idea of this house being an intergenerational house for their family. It’s a corrosive environment and they came to us because of projects that we've done in that space.”
The brief required materials that could endure salt spray, avoid the need for painting, and offer thermal efficiency without compromising the architectural vision.
Coastal Conditions: A Material Challenge
Coastal areas present a unique set of challenges for building materials, primarily due to the corrosive nature of the environment.
“We were looking for something that would last in such a harsh environment. You could jump off the roof and into the ocean - that’s how close it is to the beach,” said Ryan Finlay, Director of Sustainable Cladding and Roofing.
Coastal environments can wreak havoc on building materials through:
Saltwater Exposure: Constant saltwater presence aggressively corrodes traditional materials like steel, accelerating rust and structural wear.
Airborne Salt Particles: Wind-borne salt particles from the ocean accelerate corrosion, especially affecting metal parts of buildings such as window frames and cladding.
Humidity and Moisture: High humidity in coastal zones speeds up metal corrosion, as moist air penetrates and damages building structures more quickly than in dry environments.
Wind and Sand Abrasion: Strong coastal winds carrying sand particles can physically erode building exteriors, further increasing their susceptibility to corrosion.
Nick Hayes, Director of Nick Hayes Constructions, emphasised the need to withstand salt spray and corrosion “was the determining factor for all material choices to ensure we provided a multi-generational construction outcome.”
PERMALITE V-RIB®: The Material of Choice
“Long lifecycle efficiency and low maintenance were the primary drivers with decisions made around selection of materials,” Charles Wright said.
PERMALITE® aluminium roofing and walling products are known for their superior performance in aggressive environments, such as those found near surf beaches, coastal locations, and areas with potentially corrosive industrial activity.
“If you're looking at using steel so close to the ocean, there was salt spray, etc. You're not going to get that kind of life, lifelong efficiency out of the steel product,” Charles Wright explained. “So that drove the idea to utilise a PERMALITE® aluminium roofing profile.”
For Dicky Beach House, the team selected PERMALITE V-RIB® in colour Moon Shadow® for both its functionality and aesthetics. A versatile roofing and walling profile, it features a double capillary drain in the rib overlap, offering almost total security against the elements.
V-RIB® stood out as a long-lasting, durable, and lightweight alternative to traditional cladding materials. Unlike other materials, the pre-painted aluminium from which V-RIB® is manufactured provides enhanced resistance to corrosion caused by salt spray and other corrosive elements. Its high thermal reflectivity and low emissivity also contribute to improved thermal performance, making it an energy-efficient choice.
The warranty played a crucial role in the decision-making process for the property owners. Lysaght offers robust warranties on PERMALITE® products that can cover up to 40 years against corrosion and perforation, dependent on the project design and location.
Designing for Sustainability
The design incorporated passive sustainability features, such as an encased and shaded concrete structure with highly insulated thermal mass, extensive water harvesting, and solar power generation. PERMALITE® contributed to these goals by providing a durable roofing solution that complemented the design, minimising the need for active cooling and heating.
“The complete dwelling is strip finish concrete, with no light-weight construction,” Nick Hayes said. “Under the roof there was a structural slab that provided structural support and insulation benefits.”
Charles Wright Architects ensured the concrete itself was thermally insulated, providing a more stable ambient temperature year round. “When you insulate the concrete, you're able to get far better energy efficiency out of your mechanical systems, or your active systems,” Charles Wright explained.
“The PERMALITE® product is a big part of that. Thermal insulation is built up in layers and V-RIB® is obviously the final skin or external skin for the roof.”
Blending Form and Function
Maintaining the architectural vision while meeting practical requirements for durability and maintenance was critical. PERMALITE® V-RIB® offered the necessary aesthetic flexibility, mimicking the appearance of traditional materials while providing superior performance.
The installation process was straightforward, given the compatibility of PERMALITE® with standard construction practices. The unique design of the house posed minor challenges, however they were easily overcome.
“We had to consider expansion of the metal because it had such roofing lengths, so we had to oversize a lot of the fixing holes and then use a larger washer to cover that to allow for expansion,” Ryan Finlay explained.
A New Standard in Coastal Design
The Dicky Beach House project was a collaborative effort involving a multidisciplinary team of professionals.
The project successfully delivered on the client's brief, providing a contemporary design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The use of PERMALITE V-RIB® has ensured that the Dicky Beach House will remain a low-maintenance, durable residence that can be enjoyed by generations to come.
“The outcome will never be repeated, and we are taken back by how amazing the final result was,” said Nick Hayes. “The owners were excited to see their vision become a reality and very happy with the end result.”
The project not only enhances the local built environment but also sets a benchmark for future coastal developments.