Olive Street Cabin by MGAO: A Minimalist Beach Retreat Rooted in Context
Tucked into the coastal hillside of Separation Creek, the Olive Street Cabin by MGAO is a 90-square-meter holiday home designed with quiet precision and regional sensitivity. Inspired by 1950s and ’60s cabins, the structure opens when in use and closes securely when unoccupied—mirroring the rhythm of retreat.
The two-bedroom, one-bathroom dwelling blends modern robustness with a stripped-back palette. Colorbond steel, Barestone cladding, and blackbutt timber were chosen for their honesty and resistance to bushfire. Floor-to-ceiling glazing with frameless detailing turns the panoramic ocean views into a living artwork, drawing the landscape directly into the heart of the cabin.
The design is compact yet thoughtful. A stepped blackbutt timber bench connects the kitchen to the dining area, enhancing flow and functionality. The open plan maximizes connection between interior and exterior spaces, offering a calm, grounded atmosphere with every detail carefully considered.
Images by Jack Lovel