Merricks

The initial brief for this house was for a simple rectangular box with symmetrical spaces, the client’s objective to create order and symmetry to simplify life.

PHOTOGRAPHY | SHANNON MCGRATH

We deliberately restrained the architectural form of Merricks House to a simple, grounded mass, relying on the natural texture of the earth and the shifting play of light across its surface to tell the story.

Designed to be quiet, the entry space is marked by three high rammed earth walls, timber sleepers and large windows that open the view to the magnificent landscape.

Located on a 10-acre rural farm site, 50 minutes drive from Melbourne, we convinced the clients that breaking up the rectangular plan would create spaces that offered the order and calmness the client desired, while shaping a dynamic building. Responding to the natural fall of the land we created two levels with three distinct zones, defining a long, low presence in the landscape. The central zone becomes the main living, dining, kitchen and entry area. The parent’s zone is to the east, centred around a large Plane tree that determined the planning and position of the house. The study is accessed directly from outside and has a private view to the north, while the lower zone is for the children and opens directly onto the pergola and pool where the kids can enjoy the outdoors. A large outdoor terrace was designed without interruption to the spectacular views. An outdoor fire and wood store allow for the living space to move onto the deck through the year, with steps down to a grassed area that doubles as a seating area, with large cushions for lounging in the sun on perfect days.

Designed to be quiet, the entry space is marked by three high rammed earth walls, timber sleepers and large windows that open the view to the magnificent landscape. With views on the site south facing, the challenge was to create a building with ample light. Strategically placed skylights provide a soft and constant glow. Responding to the client’s desire for simplicity and material honesty, the house has a modest palette of earth, glass and timber. Using one of the oldest and most natural building methods, local sand sourced from the peninsula was used for the construction of the rammed earth walls. The texture and finish creating warmth throughout the house, changing throughout the day in response to the light. The mass of the 400mm thick earth walls has made the house thermally efficient, together with double-glazing of windows and doors, operable windows on the north, south, east and for natural cross ventilation, all passive design elements that have created an environmentally efficient home.