Overcoming the Elements: Behind the Scenes of a Coastal Build at Bombora

October 28, 2025

Drone view of Bombora coastal home under construction by Sureline Building Group, Shoalhaven NSW.

A look behind the build: how Sureline tackles coastal conditions and crafts homes that perform as beautifully as they look.

The idea of a coastal home brings to mind salty air, sweeping ocean views and a laid-back lifestyle. But for a high-end builder specialising in bespoke seaside projects — like Sureline Building Group — the reality is equal parts beauty and complexity.

Our current cliff-top build Bombora is a perfect example. Perched above the Shoalhaven coastline, this project has demanded precision planning, smart material choices and deep respect for the environment we’re building in. Here’s a look at how we approach the unique challenges of building on the coast — and why we love it.

1. Site & Terrain: Cliff-Edge Elevation and Ground Realities

The elevated site at Bombora gives us those breathtaking ocean views — but it also means dealing with steep terrain, exposed winds and salt-laden air.

We begin with detailed geotechnical and topographical surveys to understand the site’s soil profile, rock substrate and drainage patterns. This ensures we design the structure around the land, not against it.
With every coastal site, water management is key. We design grading and retaining so rain and runoff flow away from the home, protecting both structure and finishes.
Site logistics are planned early — from crane placement and materials staging to safe trade access. On an exposed cliff, even simple deliveries become engineered operations.
Every fix-down, bracket and connector is corrosion-rated. We rely on stainless and hot-dip galvanised components to handle the long-term exposure that coastal conditions bring.

By treating each site constraint as a design opportunity, we create homes that feel anchored in their environment — not just built on top of it.

2. Materials & Envelope: Specifying for Salt, Wind & Moisture

Coastal building is a science. Salt, UV and moisture are relentless, and the only way to win is to build smarter from the start.

Roofing: We use Colorbond Ultra roofing — engineered for coastal exposure — with robust tie-downs and reinforced framing to handle strong winds and uplift.
Cladding & Frames: Our standard includes aluminium window systems, marine-grade coatings and James Hardie Scyon cladding — chosen for low maintenance and long-term durability.
Ventilated cavities: Using Pro Clima’s ventilated wall and sub-floor systems ensures the home can breathe, dry and perform over time, avoiding hidden moisture issues.
Fastenings & Connectors: Every fixing is stainless (Grade 316) or equivalent, raised off concrete to prevent corrosion and ensure service life.
Internal finishes: For Bombora, we’ve opted for polished concrete flooring throughout the main living zones — a choice that perfectly complements the home’s coastal setting. Beyond its refined, architectural look, polished concrete offers a range of performance benefits: it’s highly durable, easy to maintain, and ideal for managing the humidity and sand that come with seaside living. The dense, sealed surface resists moisture and staining, while the thermal mass helps stabilise indoor temperatures year-round — staying cool underfoot in summer and retaining warmth through winter. It’s a finish that balances luxury, practicality, and longevity — all key for a home built on the edge of the ocean.

3. Wind, Weather & Structural Integrity

Every coastal site brings unpredictable weather — from harsh summer sun to salt-driven storms. Engineering and detailing become everything.

Our engineers model the specific wind loads for the site and design a continuous load path from roof to footings.
Structural steel frames are galvanised and powder-coated for protection, and the connection details are engineered for uplift and shear resistance.
Glazing systems are rated for high-wind zones, balancing expansive views with strength and safety.
Passive design plays a big role too: orientation for cross-ventilation, wide eaves for shading, and external decks that buffer the interior from coastal winds.
Maintenance access is built into the design, so areas exposed to weather can be easily inspected and serviced over time.

The goal isn’t to fight the environment — it’s to build in harmony with it.

4. Logistics, Programming & Quality on the Coast

Executing a build like Bombora isn’t just about materials and engineering — it’s about coordination, foresight and discipline on site. Coastal projects often involve difficult access, steep slopes, and exposure to the elements — all of which we plan for from day one.

Tight access: With Bombora’s elevated location, every delivery and crane lift must be carefully staged. We plan the sequence of deliveries to reduce double handling, keep the site safe, and maintain productivity even in tough conditions. Smart logistics keep the build moving efficiently, no matter what the site throws at us.
Trade coordination: Our detailed Wunderbuild schedule maps every trade and dependency on site. Tasks are linked in sequence, creating a clear workflow that keeps everyone accountable and aligned. This system gives our supervisors real-time visibility, streamlines communication, and helps deliver a smoother, faster build with fewer delays.
Quality assurance: Every Sureline project runs through our internal QA checklist within Wunderbuild. At each stage — from set-out through to finishes — our supervisor works through a structured list covering compliance, workmanship, and detailing. This ensures every element meets our internal standards before moving forward, reducing rework and guaranteeing quality control.
Client communication: We keep clients informed throughout the process with photo updates, milestone reviews and transparent reporting, so you can follow progress wherever you are.
Post-hand-over plan: Every coastal home deserves care. We provide a coastal maintenance checklist that outlines what to inspect annually — from fixings and coatings to seals and drainage — so your home continues performing beautifully for years to come.

Final Thoughts: Beauty Meets Performance

At Sureline, we believe a coastal home should feel effortless — but behind that effortless beauty lies careful planning, craftsmanship and performance.

Bombora showcases what’s possible when design and construction come together with a clear purpose: to create something that not only looks extraordinary but is built to thrive in one of the harshest environments on earth.

If you’re planning to build your dream coastal home in the Shoalhaven, Jervis Bay or South Coast region, we’d love to help you bring it to life — beautifully, and built to last.

📞 Call us on 0422 172 978 or request a site consult.
🌊 Sureline Building Group — Where design meets performance.