Architect: Feras Raffoul
Project Architect: David Agnello
The precise siting of the new residence at Mingela Polo Estate signals a special understanding of land and climate. The property of some 100 hectares of sheep pastures on rich volcanic soils has a new addition - half-anchored and half- floating. In part monumental and ephemeral, the house is totem-like in its effect of surprise.
Feras Raffoul’s design for this rural haven is functional, practical and poetic. Set in the undulating countryside of Drummond, some 100kms north-west of Melbourne, the project puts monochrome into Kodachrome. A simple, largely singular, colour palette sets the scene for a house of sculptural force attuned like a weather vane.
Sitting on a plateau dotted with specimen eucalypts and remnant, bleached trees this ancient landscape has been partially regenerated and now overlooks the adjacent polo field. With echoes of the Australian veranda, Mingela Polo Residence incorporates this celebrated building type of privacy, prospect, light-flow, shade and breeze.
The south-facing wall - viewed on approach - is protective embrace and anchors a formidable, thrilling contrast whereby this Brutalist form transitions into a glass-walled pavilion.
A broad pivoting front door opens to an interior of remarkable light and vista. Floor to ceiling windows and doors frame the north aspect and a wide, ‘floating’ concrete deck seamlessly extends the connection. Incorporated is a stepped fire-pit, concrete seating and cantilevered infinity pool/spa. Pool and fireside the relationship with setting is especially intimate.
Construction and detailing throughout, while often complex, are streamlined and appear effortless. Tapered concrete flooring and eaves north, east and west appear worthy of the Concorde. Client requirements, site and climate are all reflected in FGR’s response of precision and fluid flexibility. Build quality, fittings and finishes throughout are premium, commercial-grade standard.
Beyond its 3.1m tall flush, ceiling-to-floor glazing, a wash of daylight and shadow its main axis wall for a fully balanced natural light. Strip ceiling lights, required evening only, operate as recessed, exquisitely aligned ribbons.
Interiors are muted with a light, polished render to walls and ceiling of lustrous patina. A broad, island kitchen, butler’s pantry and bathrooms, replete in marble of granular, veined loveliness maintain an understated, tactile luxury.
This design language of concrete, polished stone and glass provides a precise, elegant consistency throughout. Fully operable windows and glass doors, bespoke bronze handles, along with the patina of buffed stone contribute to the residence’s luxurious utility. Fully operable windows and pivoting doors capture low, deep winter sun with full protection in high summer.
This preference for easy adjustments and fine-tuning has internal sliding doors integrated into wall cavities that simply glide open or close for flexible living zones. Cabinetry throughout continues the streamlined qualities of the house as related ‘floating’ elements rather than block add-ons.
The residence as pavilion demonstrates a convincing breakaway from the more common rectilinear box. In this location the benefits of a slender, aerodynamic aesthetic are immediately apparent. A free-flowing functionality, enduring materials and prize vistas are all part of Mingela Polo Residence’s lucid connection with place.
While monumental at first sight, the residence transitions into the rare double of grand gesture and nuance. This provides a palpable relationship with place, where ancient and modern celebrate each other.
