Cake House by Alexander Symes Architect (ASA)

The project is called Cake House as it is affectionately know as this by the surf community and used as a wayfinding point. The project emphasises respecting and upgrading the iconic shape whilst using recycled materials, as well as being high performance and durable to the extreme environment…

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From the architect: The original structure on site was affectionately known as 'Cake House' by the local community. Its sharp, kite like shape provided the coastal town of Mollymook with an icon and a way-finding point for surfers. Respecting and upgrading this iconic shape became the overarching concept for the project. Additionally, a high performance envelope, durability and protection from storm surges were also emphasised. 

Cake House has been upgraded to incorporate Passive House Enerphit principles including, high insulation, no thermal bridges, low air infiltration, high performance glazing and a heat recovery ventilation system. However, ultimately, it has been designed to operate as a passive mixed mode beach shack, destined to be robust against its extreme context and an intensifying climate. It operates as 100% electric and Net Zero energy use (-7,000kWh/yr back to the grid) with an onsite PV system.

The programming of the house has remained similar, with ocean facing kitchen and living upstairs and bedrooms below. A landscape berm has been built around the lower level to protect the rooms from increasing storm surges, acting as a hind sand dune. The diamond entry and lobby anchoring the two levels has been retained and upgraded. The reinstated 'kite’ roof has been sharpened and lightly sails over the internal spaces. The light roof form is grounded by the recycled hardwood and carbon neutral concrete formed from the original aluminum cladding.

Architect: Alexander Symes Architect (ASA)
Location: Mollymook Beach, New South Wales, Australia
Year: 2025
Project size: 215 sqm
Site size: 675 sqm
Interior: Inn. Studio
Builder: Skylar Construction
Engineer: Geoff Metzler & Associates Pty Ltd
Doors & Windows: AH Joinery
Photography: Barton Taylor