Merricks House

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 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 brief called for a large, flexible family home of a high quality with a sense of solidity and materials that age well with minimal upkeep. 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 more neutral interior palette to complement the client’s substantial art collection.

The structural engineer and rammed-earth contractor were involved early in the design process to ensure the seamless integration of services, openings and frameless glazing with the rammed earth.  A landscape plan was developed that, when implemented will add further complexity to the act of concealing and revealing views through and across the landscape.