The House at Lizard Island

Описание: Project overview


On a remote island on the Great Barrier Reef, Australian practice JDA has meticulously crafted a guesthouse that offers sanctuary while connecting residents with the unique landscape.

The secluded, granite island is part of the Lizard Island National Park, a location which called for environmentally sensitivity.

JDA Co. is a leader in flood, fire, and storm-resilient architecture, and aimed to design a home that looked as if it had been sculpted by the elements, with highly durable board-formed concrete, with perforated copper blades that act as debris shields, and can withstand the cyclonic winds endemic to the reef.

Project details  

At this guesthouse on Lizard Island, a remote part of the Great Barrier Reef, JDA Co, created a design that would harmonise with its rugged surroundings. The house interior features durable, natural materials that reflect the environment, with a colour palette inspired by site visits where architects foraged for flowers, leaves, and rocks. The studio collaborated closely with the Dingaal Aboriginal people, the island's traditional owners, on seed propagation and to develop a deeper understanding of the landscape.

 

Kitchen details

 

In the Lizard Island guesthouse, designed by architect JDA Co., the primary living, dining, and kitchen areas are oriented towards ocean-facing windows that fully retract, transforming the space into an open-air pavilion. The kitchen – sometimes staffed by a private chef – is anchored by a curving emerald quartzite island, subtly distinguishing functional and social zones.



The minimalist design of the kitchen seamlessly conceals a Column refrigerator and freezer, as well as CoolDrawer™ and a DishDrawer™ that are integrated almost invisibly into sleek, grey, ceramic-faced cabinetry. Additions like the Fisher & Paykel wine cabinet – essential for optimal wine storage in Far North Queensland’s humid conditions – elevate the hosting and wine tasting experience.