Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Landscape Inspires Design on the Mornington Peninsula
This family home with its earthy palette melts into its natural forest surroundings, creating a haven to be enjoyed all year round
The family living on this stunning site in Merricks, (a rural town on the south-eastern coast of the Mornington Peninsula), initially requested an uncomplicated rectangular home made of symmetrical spaces filled with sunlight. But the best views face away from the sun, so as the project evolved, Robson Rak Architects worked with the clients on a more dynamic design that follows the site’s natural shape. The result is a home that assimilates into the landscape, drawing attention to its surroundings rather than its architecture.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their two children
Location: Merricks, Victoria
Size: About 370 square metres
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their two children
Location: Merricks, Victoria
Size: About 370 square metres
A custom handle on the wood-panelled front door features the carved shapes of exotic animals. Two full-height windows on either side of the door bring in the view.
The clients’ favourite tree on the property determined the home’s plan and position. The master bedroom is centred on the tree; the rest of the house extends west from the bedroom.
This floor plan shows the new layout, framed by existing trees on three sides. The pool side of the house takes advantage of fewer trees and offers a clear view of the surrounding forest.
A bar with rammed-earth walls and a concrete floor greets guests near the main entrance. A fully working stainless-steel kitchen with all modern amenities sits behind the sliding door to the left. This area also houses a bedroom, an ensuite and a powder room.
Island tiles: Vogue, De Fazio Tiles; backsplash tiles: Jaipur reconstituted stone, Stone Italiana; bar stools: Mark Tuckey
Island tiles: Vogue, De Fazio Tiles; backsplash tiles: Jaipur reconstituted stone, Stone Italiana; bar stools: Mark Tuckey
The architects divided the house into three zones based on function. The parent zone has a walk-in robe, a bedroom with an ensuite bathroom and a study. The study faces the sunny north and gets plenty of light, and can be accessed from the outside.
Pendant lights: Ligne Roset, France
Pendant lights: Ligne Roset, France
The central zone consists of the living room, dining room, kitchen and main entrance. Strategically placed skylights and windows fill the home with gentle light from sunrise to sunset.
Sofa: custom, MAP Furniture; rug: custom, Halcyon Lakes
Sofa: custom, MAP Furniture; rug: custom, Halcyon Lakes
Although the home’s shape had to be adjusted, the clients’ desire for an honest material palette shines through. Most of the home’s construction is made with glass, wood and other earth-based products.
Coffee tables: Robson Rak Architects
Coffee tables: Robson Rak Architects
Locally sourced sand makes up many of the internal walls. More than 30cm thick with 8mm-thick internal foam insulation strips, these walls help maintain a consistent temperature inside the home. They also have a high four-hour fire rating – important for this dry, hot part of Australia.
The eaves shade the thin, high-level windows above the dining and living rooms. Double-glazed windows and doors keep the temperature consistent and reduce the need for heating or air-conditioning.
Dining chairs: Thonet; dining table: Mark Tuckey; sculpture on dining table: Chris Rock
Dining chairs: Thonet; dining table: Mark Tuckey; sculpture on dining table: Chris Rock
The architects designed a lower zone for the children. It has two bedrooms, a shared ensuite, a laundry and a second living space that opens directly onto the pool and pergola.
The pool is enclosed with a glass fence on three sides, with an infinity edge to the south.
The pool is enclosed with a glass fence on three sides, with an infinity edge to the south.
A large outdoor terrace makes the most of the forest views and is designed with entertaining in mind. The steps leading up to the grassy area do double duty for lounging; the family often places large cushions on them to enjoy sunny days and fire up the outdoor fireplace at night.