Windmill House
This contemporary farmhouse in Shoreham on the Mornington Peninsula is robust to withstand the harsh environment, yet soft, comfortable and beautifully detailed.
This contemporary farmhouse located on the Mornington Peninsula seamlessly blends strength, comfort, and beauty. Our team took great care in designing this new house on such a stunning site, with the ocean views being a key consideration. We carefully positioned the site and the height of the home to ensure that these views could be maintained from the road.
Through the use of 3D modelling, we determined that the optimal site was as close to the water as possible, allowing the building to integrate seamlessly into the natural landscape. We wanted visitors to experience the unique features of the property, so we designed a winding pathway from the road to the home, which takes you past the refurbished windmill and newly constructed stables. As you approach the house, you are met with a monolithic concrete wall that conceals the ocean view, symbolising the robust structure necessary to withstand the exposed environment. However, once you enter through the large driftwood door, you are rewarded with a breathtaking view of the ocean.
The layout of the home follows a linear design, stepping up and staggering outwards to match the natural terrain. The majority of the rooms face the water, and access to each part of the home is via a wide corridor that changes direction at the edge of each building block. Each turn offers a unique view and spatial experience due to the variation in direction, scale, and materiality in each segment.
Given that the ocean side of the home is primarily south-facing and exposed to the elements, we created a serene counterbalance by situating the alfresco seating area and pool on the north side, sheltered by the building's stepping form. Even in this area, you can enjoy uninterrupted ocean views through the expansive glazed walls.
Photography by Fraser Marsden, Image Factory and Liz Barnes
Constructed by Matt Johnston Building Services