This modern coastal home was designed by architectural studio Robson Rak Architects, located in a seaside region of Victoria, Australia. The property is located near the beach, yet does not have any views that frames the ocean. The interesting site the residence is nestled on slopes from north to south, consisting of layers of limestone shelves and underground caves. The architects were commissioned to create a spacious family home of 5,059 square feet (470 square meters) of living space.
The dwelling needed to accommodate several extended family members and friends at one time. This was to be a high-quality home, that would be durable and last for several generations. It was designed as a series of ‘layers’ with interconnecting living zones and private vistas. Since the home is tucked amongst tea trees that blocks the ability to frame panoramic views, the architects instead opted to create internal courtyard spaces, along with views that enabled a sense of “looking past the structure.”
The dwelling was designed with local building materials and techniques, which includes rammed earth and timber. According to the architects, “the sand component of the rammed earth was locally sourced and built by artisans. Rammed earth is a sustainable, honest, and efficient building material, requiring no maintenance and ages gracefully. The timber will be allowed to grey off and age with time.”
What We Love: This brilliant coastal home design features a beautiful mix of materials, from rammed earth and timber to concrete flooring. Spaces seem to effortlessly flow from one to the next, with a wonderful indoor-outdoor connection. The use of courtyards helps to also invite nature inside and expansive windows brings in natural daylight. This sizable home is the perfect amount of space to entertain friends and family in a convenient location right by the beach… Readers, tell us, would you live in a rammed earth home?
Note: Have a look at a couple of our favorite feature home tours from the fabulous portfolio of Robson Rak Architects: Rammed earth house in Australia becomes a visionary design and Edwardian home transformation by Robson Rak Architects.
Aluminium doors and windows are double glazed and thermally broken. Louvers are used throughout the residence for cross ventilation. Hydronic heating within the concrete flooring helps to evenly heat the home during the cold winter months.
The architects used a simple and light palette of timber, rammed earth and a light concrete flooring. They also utilized some strategic graphic insertions to the interior design to visually enhance and delineate the spaces. One such example is the durable, commercial grade green tile that was used for the center island in the kitchen. The green hue of this tile also helps to connect the landscape with the interiors.
Photos: Shannon McGrath
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