Meeting the challenging drainage needs of a delightful coastal home

Situated on a quiet street, the sculptural frontage of the South Coast Beach House presents as unobtrusive yet impressive; as a considered composition of solid forms that sit quietly amongst the embrace of neighbouring properties.

Look more closely though – at the home’s copper-clad roofline, its timber ceilings, its detailed glasswork, and more – and you’ll begin to see it as quite an achievement by those responsible, namely Casey Brown Architecture and Lime Building Group.

Look, for example, at the home’s customised drainage system and you’ll see a precision in action.

Supplied by Stormtech and customised according to the project’s specific requirements, Tii20MTL tile insert linear drains follow the curved perimeters of the upper deck’s two balconies, while the 100TiTDi threshold system integrates with the sliding door/window system and ensures easy, step-free access to those same outdoor spaces.

According to Daniel Weber of Casey Brown Architecture, in settling upon this drainage strategy, the architects began with the clear goal of ensuring this outdoor area feels like an extension of the living space.

To achieve this, they needed products that could not only handle downpours and stand up to the demands of the home’s high-salt-attack coastal setting but do so without creating visual clutter or detracting from its aesthetic appeal.

“The concrete upstand holding up the balcony had to be solid, so we needed excellent drainage,” Daniel explains. “And to ensure complete accessibility and safety as the clients get older, we wanted minimal thresholds.”

“Stormtech drains run all the way around the perimeter of the balconies, including along the front of the doors. The tile insert drains are perfect – you just don’t even notice they’re there,” he notes, pointing to the seamless integration with the stone and concrete flooring and highlighting the aesthetic imperative of the selection.

Thanks to the home’s distinct architectural form, the application required more than just a refined, high-quality product.

“Given the building’s unique curves and non-standard angles, an off-the-shelf product was not an option,” Daniel explains.

The threshold drains – which like all Sormtech products are made from 316 marine grade stainless steel – integrate perfectly with the sliding doors, while the curved balcony drainage systems mirror the area’s organic form. Together, the two products ensure effective, unobtrusive water capture and removal.

Considering the precision involved in all of this, effective collaboration with the supplier was critical.

By providing early design input and visiting the site to create custom aluminium templates for the drains, the Stormtech team was able to ensure that every component fitted the as-built curves of the concrete balustrade.

Working together in this way, Stormtech and Casey Brown Architecture, were able to not just satisfy aesthetic ambitions but ensure the home’s long-term resilience in a volatile climate.

“Thanks to the drains,” Daniel smiles as he praises Stormtech’s craftsmanship, “we haven’t had any leaks.”

Photography
Zella Casey Brown