Rosich Residence

Rosich Residence

Silver Sands, Mandurah, Western Australia

TL;DR

The Rosich Residence is an ageing-in-place home designed to support independence, dignity and quality of life well into the future. Working within a modest budget and a typical coastal suburban context, the project demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can deliver outcomes often associated with significantly larger or more expensive homes.

The residence is organised as two connected wings. A raised front wing allows the primary occupants to enjoy ocean views without the cost or accessibility challenges of a second storey, while a separate rear wing provides accommodation for a daughter and future carer. Accessible bathrooms, wheelchair-friendly circulation, a modified kitchen and carefully considered level changes are seamlessly integrated throughout the design. Combined with durable coastal materials, commercial-grade double glazing and light-filled living spaces, the result is a home designed not simply for today, but for decades of independent living to come.

Designing for Ageing in Place

The Rosich Residence began with a simple ambition: allow the owners to remain in their home for as long as possible.

Rather than treating accessibility as an addition to the design, ageing in place informed the planning, circulation and organisation of the house from the outset. The result is a home that quietly accommodates changing physical needs while remaining warm, contemporary and enjoyable to live in.

Ocean Views Without a Second Storey

A key challenge was providing ocean views without introducing stairs, lifts or the expense of a second level.

The solution was a raised front wing connected via an accessible internal ramp. This simple move allows the owners to enjoy elevated views from both the living area and the adjoining deck while maintaining full accessibility throughout.

The result delivers many of the benefits of a two-storey home without the cost, complexity or long-term accessibility concerns.

Independence and Support

The residence is divided into two distinct wings connected through a central arrival point and shared garage.

The raised front wing contains the primary living spaces for the owners, while the rear wing accommodates a daughter and future carer. This arrangement provides independence and privacy for both households while ensuring support remains close when required.

In effect, the project operates as two homes connected by a common threshold.

Accessibility Without Compromise

Accessibility measures are integrated throughout the home rather than treated as specialised additions.

The kitchen includes a wheelchair-accessible island bench, while the primary suite incorporates a compliant accessible bathroom and shower. Generous circulation spaces allow the home to adapt to future mobility requirements without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics.

These decisions allow the home to evolve alongside its occupants rather than forcing future renovation or relocation.

Built for Coastal Living

Located close to the coast, the residence employs simple and robust materials selected for durability, ease of maintenance and long-term value.

Commercial-grade double-glazed windows provide excellent thermal and acoustic performance, while the contemporary raking roof form references the beach shacks that once characterised much of the Western Australian coastline.

Internally, natural light, generous glazing and open living spaces create a bright and relaxed atmosphere that responds naturally to the surrounding coastal environment.

Architecture That Improves Everyday Life

The success of the Rosich Residence lies not in luxurious finishes or a large budget, but in the way every design decision supports the people who live there.

Through careful planning, accessibility and adaptability, the project demonstrates the value architecture can create when it is focused on long-term wellbeing. The result is a home that supports independence, family connection and enjoyment of place, proving that thoughtful design can have a profound impact on everyday life.