Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula

EPSC Residence is conceived as a contemporary farmhouse, set within an undulating agricultural vineyard in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. The house is set into a steep hillside located deep within the secluded 25-acre property.

One of the key design principles that influenced the placement and internal planning of the house was about creating anticipation, a journey and experience that would meander through the landscape. The progression from the front gate to the house is focussed on the idea of compressing and revealing views at key vantage points allowing moments of contemplation and reprieve; as you cross an area of dense woodlands before emerging into the open expanse of hilly pasture and then disappearing again until you discover the house.

The home first appears over the ridge of a hill and presents as an abstracted silhouette. A long featureless wall with the outline of two large brick chimneys become a marker in the landscape. A solitary slit in the wall is the only indication of entry and creates a sense of mystery, drawing visitors down the staircase towards the front door via two private courtyards.

Once inside, the solidity and compression experienced at the entry threshold is contrasted against the interior layout of the rooms which are orientated to look out across the vineyards and internal courtyard. Each space flows from one to another allowing a glimpse to the next space beyond. Moving through the home along the front facade is one of strengths of the interior planning. It provides a strong circulation route through the core living zones – master bedroom, study, kitchen, dining, living and retreat – and creates a natural flow between the spaces. Rooms can be closed off using sliding the doors to create a sense of cosiness and intimacy whilst maintaining visual connection between the internal spaces and external courtyards. The unfurling of the interior and exterior spaces become blurred with the use of large doors and windows which frame and focuses the landscape into the spatial experience of the house.

Whilst the landscape serves as a distinct feature of the project, it also presented one of the greatest challenges. The block of land is classed within a BAL12 zone and falls within the erosion management overlay which has some of the toughest planning restrictions.

The house design principles are a series of dichotomies, experiences and journeys that come together to create a home that is monolithic yet enveloping and intimate in nature. The materiality of the architecture is singular and monolithic in its selection and execution. The bleach white brickwork is used for the buildings several retaining walls, feature colonnade, and is also drawn into many of the internal walls to create a singular building mass nestled into the landscape. The refined palette was key in realising the refined farmhouse aesthetic but more importantly chosen for their longevity, durability, and timelessness. EPSC Residence has been thoughtfully planned and detailed to tie the architecture and interiors (designed by Hecker Guthrie) together to make a home that meets the clients’ needs and enhance their daily rituals. The result is an enduring piece of architecture that responds to its place but also illuminates its potential.

Area
15,000sqm

Family size
4

Designed in collaboration with Hecker Guthrie

The play on suspense and reprieve is one of the key design principles of this contemporary farmhouse; it begins long before you step foot inside and is woven into the experience of the project.

A solitary opening at the centre of the wall beckons and draws you down a staircase towards the front door. The sense of intrigue is strong, and it is here at the threshold the house truly unfurls.

Thoughtfully planned and meticulously detailed, architecture and interiors unite to create a sanctuary within the landscape.

All the core living spaces – master bedroom, study, kitchen, dining, living and retreat – take in the views of the vineyards and internal courtyard.

Rendered Images