Project Summary
A strong connectivity to the local rural vernacular and the equine business that operates from its stables was key. Full height glazed openings punctuate corridors perfectly framing a constant unexpected unfolding of farm life as horses and their foals appear randomly at windows-inquisitive and majestic-framed like a renaissance artwork.
Project Description
In a celebration of the surrounding architectural and design vernacular but with a modern, contemporary interpretation, this home exudes a rural character but with an appropriateness to function imbedded deep in its design. A strong connectivity between house and rural landscape is ever present.
The design approach is deeply considered contributing to the contemporary character of the project. The design omits ornamentation and seeks to minimise the palette of materials accentuating the utilitarian nature of the property and its reductionist approach. The predominance of the vertical blackened timber cladding defines the façade materiality and, when glimpsed from within, acts to constantly remind occupants of the rural narrative.
Materials and details are drawn from tradition and a sense of honesty expressed by the functional nature of a continuous polished concrete floor surface from inside to out. The warmth of a soft oak lined ceiling provides a strong connection to the rural language appearing to punch through the perimeter wall to form the underside of the external eaves. Concealed pivot hinges and custom steel door handles add strength and a sense of purity to solid blackened full height timber doors and act to define the main entrance. Colours and detailing allude to century old barns whilst a predominantly monochromatic palette is tempered by the surrounding pastoral landscape.
Materiality is defined by a rawness however careful detailing and a distilled palette give the home an unexpected tactility, warmth and intimacy despite its harsh, rural environment and windswept, bucolic locale.
Designed with an overriding sense of authenticity and rigour, a tough materiality of blackened timber, steel, glass, natural stone and concrete are featured in unrestrained sophistication balanced by a softness in the warm oak lining to the ceiling and joinery pieces: a tribute to the robust beauty and organic drama of the Mornington Peninsula.
