Structural timber is celebrated in every exposed detail of Tunnel Beach House. A remarkable coastal retreat that is simple in form yet sophisticated in its execution – resting in perfect harmony with its natural surroundings. 

Designed by Will Lewis from Lewis Architecture, this stunning home perched above Tunnel Beach in Dunedin draws deep inspiration from its coastal surroundings. Timber and glass define its design language — grounding the home in its natural environment while opening it up to breathtaking views of the land, sea and sky. 

From the exposed timber features, indoor-outdoor flow of the spacious layout, to the large, glazed windows and sculptural boulder embedded in the deck, every element strengthens the home’s relationship with its environment. With Will even carefully positioning the home to provide its occupants with a cinematic view of the Aurora Australis when it appears. 

Clad in timber and finished with earthy hues inside and out, the home achieves a warm, intimate feel despite its expansive setting. High timber ceilings and prominent exposed beams frame the living areas, while generously proportioned windows and doors draw in natural light and open the interior to the surrounding landscape. These architectural elements work together to create a calm interior atmosphere — one that feels both connected and protected.

These features are more than aesthetic. They play a vital structural role and showcase the strength and beauty of engineered timber.

At the heart of this home’s structure and style are Prolam PL8 Beams, specified by the architect to deliver both visual impact and structural integrity. The exposed timber rafters are a defining feature — spanning the living areas and extending through to the eaves, expressing the structure in a way that feels both modern and timeless. 

Twenty visual grade glulam beams — ten at 7.2 metres and ten at 6.8 metres — were precision-manufactured to a 290 x 88 profile, H3.2 treated, and finished with a smooth machined surface and two coats of wood oil applied on site. This attention to finish and protection ensures their performance in both interior and exterior applications.

From design to performance, this is a house that commands attention — and the use of high-quality structural timber plays a starring role in its story.

“Prolam products are the best. The team is always helpful and easy to deal with, and they deliver good products with fast, simple solutions.”
- Will Lewis, Lewis Architecture

Images courtesy of Lewis Architecture