Designing for Coastal Exposure: A Structural Design Case Study

Project context

A two-storey beachfront residence on the Sunshine Coast required a structural design that balanced architectural openness with the demands of Region C wind classification and marine exposure.

Design drivers

• Wind classification — Region C, requiring robust tie-down and cladding fixings.
• Durability — salt-spray exposure drove the specification of stainless and hot-dip-galvanised steelwork.
• Deflection control — large openings demanded careful consideration of racking and deflection limits.

Outcome

JTC delivered a certified structural design that satisfied AS 1170 loading and AS 3605 durability requirements while preserving the architect's open-plan intent. The design was certified RPEQ and issued for construction.