In March 2018, a bushfire tore through the NSW coastal town of Tathra, ultimately burning 1250 hectares of land and destroying 69 homes. Not long after its impact, Peter Boyce, a Sydney based Private Certifier, travelled to Tathra to offer his services, gratis to those in need. The Carter family put their hands up for help having had their family home of 20 years completely incinerated.

Later that year Peter contacted our office to see if we were interested in assisting, preferably gratis, something we did not hesitate to sign up for. Before too long Steve Koolloos made his way down to Tathra with Peter to meet the Carter family, visit the site, and meet with the local Authorities to see what they could offer all local bushfire victims. The Carters are mum and dad, Michelle + Chris, with their three children Jai, Levi + Kiah. They are proud and resilient people who insisted on re-building their home on their dream property.

A design process ensued with regular contact, and several meetings until a design was agreed upon. The home was inspired by a generous view of the Pacific Ocean to the East, which generated a long plan defined by public and private zones. Most importantly, the home needed to be simple to build. A Development Application was coordinated and submitted to Bega valley Shire Council. True to their commitment the DA was accepted with no fee required, and approved in full within 2 weeks.

Chris works in the construction industry as do his two sons, and together they ambitiously set out to commence the construction process. By January 2020 they had the main floor slab in place along with most of the wall frames. At this time bushfires raged across the east coast of Australia, and whilst there was no immediate threat to Tathra, the horrific memories were very much in the Carter’s front of mind. MCK Architects offered to pick up their tools and come down again to assist with the construction over a long weekend. Toki Constructions put their hand up to assist and organised a crew to join in, to work with MCK + the Carter family in true ANZAC spirit. A similar weekend occurred again in October of 2020 as the Carters slowly progressed the home towards completion.

As the home nears completion, there is a profound sense of gratification for all involved, least of all the Carter family. Lifelong bonds have been forged through the simple premise of helping those in need. The project may never win an award, nor see the inside of a magazine cover, but it is held high regard with respect to MCK’s accomplishments, and matches our philosophy makes the world a better place.

TATHRA

THE NEW AVALON STUDIO