A red beacon sits snuggly into a hillside overlooking Conception Bay in St. Philips, Newfoundland. It is not a tall slender light house guiding the sailors as one might suspect, but a modern oceanside retreat beckoning passersby.

Designed by architect Robert Mellin, this exquisite oceanfront property was designed with the owners’ desire for sweeping sight lines of the natural rugged landscape.

Using expansive operable windows and doors, Mellin has incorporated a lofty interior with easy access to the breath-taking East Coast landscape.

Not only can you open the front door and still maintain direct view of the water, but you can also step outside and see the place where the sun meets the sea.

Photo courtesy of Robert Mellin Architect

This home takes advantage of both the view and its site. The architect embraced sustainable energy technologies by incorporating a geothermal heating system.

Although very modern, the architect took care to reference traditional coastal structures. Coastline structures are often built on stilts, which Robert Mellin included in this design. The area underneath the stilt-supported deck acts as a secondary space which offers more protection from the east coast elements.

Photo courtesy of Robert Mellin Architect

Robert Mellin has created a stunning structure that both hugs the island landscape, while cantilevering it into the ever-changing seascape.

Photo courtesy of Robert Mellin Architect

Photo courtesy of Robert Mellin Architect

Can you imagine enjoying a meal on the terrace watching the sun set as the stars begin to twinkle?

When you live in a city like myself, you can’t help but yearn for a view like this!

For more information on Robert Mellin and his projects in Newfoundland, check out his website.

Research and Writing by Alana Lombardo, Environmental Management and Physical Geography student at the University of Toronto Mississauga