Mountain House

Our client’s brief for the Mountain House was for a cosy mountain-top forever home, reminiscent of alpine childhoods, and a simple build process. Located near an extensive ridge-top nature reserve, the property affords wide eastern views with great access to morning and northern sunlight. Creating opportunities for the views was important, as was creating private family spaces away from public display, possible on the exposed corner block.

The design response positions formal living areas to the prominent street frontage, which captures the best views and solar access. The bedroom wing is nestled behind, still with access to views and sunlight, and an informal living area addresses the backyard and private outdoor living spaces. In response to the brief, we focused on the concept of “house-as-home,” utilising traditional forms that respond to the local vernacular and climate.

The form is split-level and driven by program requirements to provide level access points across the rising terrain of the site. The lower level comprises simple rectangular forms made from painted brick. The upper level stretches horizontally, providing a finer grain of articulation and visual interest. The pitched metal sheet roof, with deep shady eaves, references an Australian shed vernacular and humbles the mass of the built form below.

We will keep you updated on our insights as works progress to site.