GEMBROOK RESIDENCE

Located in Gembrook, Victoria, the design for this new three-bedroom family home started with a brief which involved the demolishing of a small weatherboard "Hills House" and replacing it with a modern space which could accommodate a growing family in a cold and wet, yet naturally beautiful environment. 

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The site is surrounded by large mountain ash trees, with its topography sloping down easterly with a lake located on the northern side of the proposed residence. Given the cold and wet climate, access to natural light and outdoor spaces which protect from consistent rain was imperative. While the winters are beautiful with the mists rolling in through the mountain ash trees, they are also bitterly cold, which gave preference to dual fireplaces located each end of the dwelling in both the main bedroom and living space.

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Natural materials have been used throughout, with the façade being clad with burnt ironbark to protect from bush fires, insects and decay. The inner outdoor façade and soffit (northern verandah) is finished with marine grade ply. Internally a northern hallway connects all sleeping, meals and living spaces, its glazing providing natural light into the interior spaces throughout. The northern facade can be opened up in summer to allow cool breezes to ventilate the house, or sealed up in winter to trap the heat within.

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The proposed residence sits unobtrusive in its environment, nestled below the towering mountain ash trees surrounding it. Designed with simplicity and symmetry at its core, this residence acts as a warm retreat in one of the most spectacular natural environments that Victoria has to offer.