although unbuilt, the design of the reed house went on to influence heide i and have a large impact on postwar melbourne modernism. his designs included bunker like enclosures with sloping walls and referenced coastal themes, such as boats and cannons. reeds initially confided in burns to design his beach house as an experiment to push modernist architecture in melbourne in preparation for the renovation of the heide. however, they ultimately deferred burns design in favour of david mcglashan, whose project reflected the bay and sand dunes while protecting a central courtyard. despite the house not being built, burns re-used many of the ideas further on in his career, cementing the importance of the notable designs.