The site overlooking the Mornington Peninsula is approached by a long winding drive through an established vineyard. On approach, the house gives little away, presenting an abstract, modest façade as it appears from behind a break in a large hedge.
Entering between tall earth walls, a long corridor curves beyond view as the timber ceiling drops into the distance. Upon reaching the lowest point of the corridor, large windows slice through the earth walls to reveal a dramatic view south across the vines to the ocean beyond, to the north a dark strip of water cuts through a courtyard reflecting the sky.
Further along the central spine, the ceiling arcs up and the view unfolds as two large living spaces intersect the corridor. A staircase ascends beyond, and appears to hover above the vines. A discreet opening accesses a further volume beyond, containing a main bedroom, ensuite and private terrace; the elevated space affords views over the hilltop to the valley beyond.
Primarily a holiday and weekend residence, three bedroom wings are accessed through discreet openings in the central corridor; allowing autonomy between visitors, this layout assures the house doesn't appear empty when not fully occupied.
The scope of work also included building new facilities for the property managers.
Six bedrooms accommodate a growing family with a range of spaces that can be enjoyed in differing weather conditions. As such a range of terraces and courtyards appear between, or within the timber volumes, providing varying degrees of shelter. A basement cellar provides storage for wine including that produced on the property.
A restrained palette of textures and colours echo the burnt timbers and sun-bleached earth of a harsh Australian environment, contrasting against the verdant manicured vineyard. The bold charcoal and off-white exterior gives way to a warmer and more neutral interior palette to complement the client's substantial art collection.
Timber pergolas and external blinds are used as screening devices, mediating sunlight as it moves across the house. Thickened walls allow deeply recessed windows, shaded from the summer sun and provide opportunity to recess window frames in order to achieve a thermal break.
Natural materials with a low embodied energy rating are used throughout the building. All spaces are cross ventilated and each building volume can be heated and cooled independently depending on how the house is occupied. The building utilises the insulation properties of rammed-earth.
The property is not connected to mains water as all rainwater is harvested and used throughout the house. Water collected in the dams is used for irrigation and all sewage is treated on site.