The Story of NURA | Chapter 1

Comprising of 6 land lots, Nura is a unique development opportunity designed for those who covet sympathetic architectural aesthetics alongside environmental sensibilities. Inspiring a discerning and relaxed lifestyle, Nura is a rare opportunity to obtain land in a truly magnificent prospect of untapped natural beauty.

As a guide to the inherent possibilities available to purchasers of the land lots, Nura has recently been the subject of a design inquiry with a collection of global architectural studio’s that have proposed conceptual responses inspired by each of Nura’s 6 land lots. Intended as inspirational guides for the unique development potential these land lots harbour, the concepts demonstrate the possibilities in built outcomes informed by a sensitive and design-led approach. Future residences built on Nura’s subdivided site will ultimately aim to integrate built form into the natural landscape and the Nura design inquiry delves into idea’s, notions and intents on how this may unfold at the hands of future owners. 

Unified by a return to the charm and nostalgia of the ‘beach shack’ and its resonance in the Australian vernacular, each of the concepts allude to the blissful possibilities of a simplified life. Luxury has been translated as space, light and an uncomplicated design language that amplifies landscape. Their significance is in their ability to support balanced, holistic living through architectural interventions that are cohesive, integrated and covertly future-focused. 

Robert Simeoni Architects has responded with an ephemeral design that enhances both the tenderness and roughness of the surrounding site. Amplifying the seductive qualities of the landscape, and the alignment of a pavilion-esque structure that hovers within the natural surrounds, a notion of impermanence has been appropriately heralded in a context that has witnessed eons of iterations of which this latest is but one of many.

Wolveridge Architects has tapped into the social impact of the COVID-19 climate to lend to a design that nurtures the many facets of the professional and private life of future inhabitants. With a design that fits within the gentle natural contours of the site and is inspired by the form and materiality of Point Nepean’s gunnery bunkers, a passive and pragmatic resolution has been wrought from the inspiration of the socio-economic narrative and the dichotomy of the enduring quality of the natural environment.

Edition Office has focused on an intent to realise a home with the least possible disruption to the existing conditions of the rugged coastal landscape. The recessed contours behind the dunes act as a natural pocket of silence and calm which is contrasted by the untamed force of Bass Straight ever present beyond. It is this notion of nature’s spectrum, framed as built ‘moments’ in an architectural response that is decidedly unfussy, that resonates through design.

Aires Mateus brings a novel perspective informed by the coastal landscapes of Portugal and the European idiosyncrasies that align with Nura’s beachside appeal. A tiered home that cascades down the natural topography of the site has unfolded. Beginning with a triangular geometry that maps the natural envelop, an outcome of interior and exterior space provides a wholly functional discourse distinguished by an aesthetic purity and geometric perfection that works in concert with the allure of the organic imperfections that surround.

MA Architects has developed a residential concept underpinned by the idea of discovery. Again, the landscape is the hero with a robust built component proposed to invite connection with people and landscape first and foremost. Reminiscent of the holiday ambiance of the Australian beach house, MAA has re-imagined a home with the pragmatics to support gatherings of large families or multiple families. Break out spaces for quietude and communal zones for socially-led connection. A profoundly useful house devoted to manipulating and amplifying the experience of place.

Over the coming months, each design concept will be presented here on Open Journal. An opportunity to immerse yourself in the intents and inspirations of each design studio will unfold as a way to inform and encourage the sensitive development of one of Australia’s most breathtaking aspects.

NURA Rye is located at 21 Avon Road, Rye. To find out more, register your interest here.