Bicheno Beach House - Rammed Earth & Shou Sugi Ban on the East Coast of Tasmania

Designed for year round enjoyment of the coastal lifestyle and built for generations to come.

The Vision: This project is a resilient, rural retreat on Tasmania’s East Coast designed around our clients desire to be connected to the ocean and the landscape at all times. We chose materials that create a sense of tranquility and permanence namely rammed earth walls, structural timber framing reclaimed from old wharf beams, and charred timber (Shou Sugi Ban) cladding. By prioritising these durable, circular materials, we built a home that feels deeply connected to its coastal site and is engineered to last for generations.

The Execution: Building with heavy, raw materials like rammed earth and massive timber beams leaves zero room for error. It required millimeter-accurate documentation and close coordination with the site team to manage the complex formwork and structural junctions cleanly. Beyond the technical envelope, the layout is highly practical—offering a series of distinct outdoor spaces that adapt to the weather, giving the owners covered, wind-protected zones to take in the coastal views no matter the season.

Key Collaborators

Builder: Nomad Shelter

Rammed Earth: Unique Earth

Shou Sugi Ban Timber Cladding: Mortlock Timber

Landscaping: Loci Landscapes

Photography: Matt Sansom & Oscar Sloane

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Blackwood House