Victoria
The unassuming beauty of this house is expressed in understated materials and rammed earth that have been worked in a master craftsman-like manner. Local houses with classic beachy weatherboards and boatshed cladding inspired other material selections. The humility of the design direction reflects our desire to nestle gently into the locale. That led to the idea of the house as a presence like a quiet witness with biophilic qualities. Located on Waddawurung Country neighbouring the Barwon Heads Golf Club, golf-course vistas have influenced the design. The fluid roofline takes cues from the golf-course with its gentle undulations, curvaceous bunkers and rolling greens. The house hunkers into the landscape, yet achieves ocean views from the upper deck by using multiple decks and roof treatments. Responding to an ancient Moonah tree on the site, the multiple decks relate to the tree’s height and shape, hinting at the idea of a treehouse experience.
Our objectives for the build created some interesting design challenges for Kirby. We wanted to capture the great views of the golf course to the south, but at the same time not live in a “fish bowl”, get good northern light into the house and have strong integration from the inside to the north facing outdoor areas. In addition we wanted the house to sit unobtrusively in the landscape when viewed from the golf course. We feel the design of the house has met these objectives incredibly well.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
