Coastal home designs pair relaxed, light-filled living with a strong connection to outdoor spaces.
Start with your block dimensions and the way your family wants to live, then consider orientation and the coastal character you prefer.
A coastal-inspired home doesn’t need to be near the beach. The style suits homes across Queensland.
For sites exposed to coastal conditions, the distance from the ocean affects the building specifications required for those sites.
Beach house designs are about more than proximity to the water. The term also describes homes influenced by the Sunshine State's laidback lifestyle.
Start with the way your family uses the home. Think about how much separation you want between bedrooms and shared areas, how the kitchen connects with everyday living and where an alfresco area fits into family time. Your block width will also narrow the range before you get into the details of each home design.
Clarendon single storey home designs keep everyday living across one level. If you want more separation between shared and private spaces, explore our double storey home designs.
Beach home designs also suit families who simply love the coastal look even if the home is well away from the beachfront.
Coastal homes put calm, everyday living at the centre of the layout. Connected kitchen and living areas give family and friends space to spend time together, while direct access to an alfresco area extends family time together to the outdoors.
Natural light helps shape the atmosphere of a coastal-inspired home, filling shared spaces with warmth and creating a sense of openness throughout. Consider how windows and doors frame the outlook, how living areas connect with the outdoors and how quieter spaces offer room to retreat. Thoughtful storage adds to that feeling of ease, keeping school bags, beach gear and everyday belongings beautifully organised.
The exterior completes the vision, giving your home its own sense of arrival and personality. Explore Clarendon’s facade designs to discover the styles and finishes available for your preferred home design. Facade availability and pictured finishes vary by design, so check the individual design details as you build your shortlist.
Choose a coastal home design by starting with your block dimensions and the amount of space your household needs. Block width and depth help narrow your home design options, while the orientation of the site influences how living areas relate to sunlight and outdoor spaces.
Next, decide between single storey and double storey house plans. Consider the number of bedrooms you need and the relationship between shared and private zones. Garage position and the connection to an alfresco area also influence how the home sits on the block.
Once the layout feels right, compare the available facade options and the overall look you want to come home to. Final suitability depends on Clarendon’s assessment of your individual site and the requirements that apply to your build.
Orientation affects how coastal home designs respond to Queensland’s heat and prevailing winds. The Australian Government’s Your Home orientation guidance recommends considering both factors in relation to the local climate and individual site.
Look at where direct sun reaches the home and how openings relate to cooling breezes. Shade is another part of the conversation with your builder, particularly around windows and outdoor living areas.
A coastal look is different from building on a site exposed to salt air. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission defines a sea-spray zone as within 1km of breaking surf or within 100m of a non-surf coastline. Its coastal zone extends 1 to 10km from breaking surf or 100m to 1km from a non-surf coastline.
These exposure zones affect the corrosion-protection requirements that apply to metal framing brackets and connectors. The requirements for your home will depend on its location and site-specific specifications.
Once you’ve shortlisted your beach home designs, spend some time looking closely at each layout and its available facade options. Seeing spaces in person also gives you a better sense of proportions and how different areas of a home connect.
You can visit Clarendon’s Sunshine Coast display homes to explore current designs and inclusions. The designs on display vary by location, so check what’s open before you visit.
Ready to take the next step? Price up your home and start bringing your new home plans together.
No. Coastal home designs suit buyers who love a relaxed, light-filled style and indoor-outdoor living, including those building away from the coast.
Homes on sites exposed to salt air have additional site-specific requirements. Your site assessment will determine the specifications relevant to your build.
Yes. Both single storey home designs and double storey home designs suit a coastal direction.
Your block dimensions and preferred zoning will help shape the choice. Accessibility and potential views are also worth considering as you compare designs.
Facade options vary between Clarendon home designs. Check the individual design page to see which options are available for the home you’re considering.
You can also browse Clarendon’s facade designs to explore different exterior styles before narrowing your shortlist.
Clarendon has Display Homes across South East Queensland, with the exact designs available varying between locations.
If you’re building in the region, Clarendon’s Sunshine Coast display homes are a useful place to experience current home designs and inclusions in person.