Bridging the Gap in the Housing Market: A Personal Journey

My home is situated in a charming beachside town along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. This locale holds a special place in my heart as my parents have lived here since the 1970s, and I was born and raised in this very community. When the opportunity arose to build a home here, I was determined to make a statement about what a home could be.

The site chosen for this project was part of a broader eco-estate developed by Barwon Water, where all houses must achieve a minimum 7.5-star rating. This requirement perfectly aligned with my vision of creating a home that is not only tailored to our personal needs but also contributes positively to the environment.

My goal was to demonstrate that a home can be designed around personal preferences and unique features, rather than merely aiming for future resale value.

I believe that people often focus too much on appealing to potential buyers rather than creating spaces that genuinely suit their own needs. With this house, I wanted to embody the philosophy of designing for oneself.

Despite being smaller in terms of the number of bedrooms, the home features generously sized living areas that significantly enhance our quality of life. The design emphasizes spaces that we enjoy and use frequently, rather than adding a fourth guest bedroom that would see limited use.

One of the major challenges was to balance the concept with practical considerations like functionality, cost-effectiveness, and aesthetics. We aimed to make concrete the hero of the design while keeping it simple and interesting.

The home’s layout adheres to first principles: living areas are situated to the north for optimal light, and bedrooms are located to the south. Entering the house, you are greeted by a green roof that adds a touch of nature to the living space.

To create a cozy atmosphere, we included a 3/4 Wall that divides the dining area from the lounge. The lounge features a fireplace and a built-in bench seat, with a double brick wall that acts as a heat sink, radiating warmth even after the fire goes out.

The kitchen is designed with a large freestanding island bench for social gatherings and a second working bench equipped with an oven and hot plates. A walk-in pantry houses the dishwasher and sink area, allowing dirty dishes to be conveniently stored until someone is assigned the task of washing them.

Adjacent to the kitchen is a hidden laundry and bathroom amenities, with the bathroom and separate toilet situated to the east, close to the bedrooms.

Material choices were deliberately restrained, expressing their true states. Concrete was selected not only for its suitability in green roof applications but also for its timeless, low-maintenance qualities.

Initially, the ceiling was planned to have a standard off-form ply finish, but we decided to use board form instead. We sourced offcuts from the mill, creating a rustic, organic pattern with visible knots and grooves.

Copper cladding was used to contrast with the concrete and will develop a beautiful patina over time.

Family involvement was a key aspect of the build; my uncle, a bricklayer, assisted with the blockwork, and a dining table made from timber gifted by a client was installed by my father and me.

Sustainability was a major consideration throughout the project. We achieved an eight-star rating, with passive design and thermal mass working together to regulate the home’s temperature.

The eaves allow for low-angled winter sun to warm the interior, while in summer, they prevent excessive heat from entering. The living roof contributes to temperature regulation and provides habitat for local wildlife.

Our home stands in contrast to many modern houses that occupy the majority of their sites with dark metal roofs and minimal green space. Influenced by biophilic design, we wanted to enhance our environment rather than detract from it. Though the green roof presented challenges and additional costs, the benefits have been well worth it. It has created a calming, quiet space that maintains a comfortable temperature regardless of external weather conditions.