A modern home with angular white walls and warm wood paneling sits on a grassy hillside with a visible swimming pool, surrounded by native trees and bushland.

Mount Martha House

Project type - New build

Designing for the environmental conditions with a balance of protection and prospect

Our client, a builder, bought a property in Mount Martha on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. The very generous site had stands of established eucalyptus trees and was oriented to the south, with views looking across the coast and out to Port Philip Bay. It’s from this same aspect that the storms and squalls roll in, bending and twisting the trees.

We designed the house in response to this weather, to provide protection and prospect to the south, and light and openness to the north. A large, rendered wall along the southern façade provides a solid defence, allowing the house to shelter behind it. Windows and sliding glazed doors are carved out of the sculptural wall and the thick, recessed frames amplify the sense of solidity and protection.

Go through the wall and its light and airy, as the house and courtyards open to the north to embrace the landscape and sun. The lightweight timber structure is flooded with light and has awnings to provide sun protection. Alcoves provide cosy spaces to view the shoreline and bay, while double-height ceilings and large expanses of glass enhance the spaciousness and connection to the outdoors.