Category:
Marianne House / Victoria Merrett Architects
🏡 Project Overview
Architect: Victoria Merrett Architects
Location: Rye, Mornington Peninsula, Australia
Project Area: 208 m²
Completion Year: 2024
Photography: Tasha Tylee
Builder: Momu
🧭 Design Concept
Marianne House is a thoughtful renovation and extension of a 1970s timber cabin, transforming it into a modern family home while preserving its original character. The design maintains the existing footprint of the 76 m² cabin and expands the total area to 208 m², accommodating contemporary living needs.
🧱 Architectural Features
Material Palette: The extension features a combination of brick and timber, with walnut-stained Blackbutt timber complementing the existing structure. The use of natural materials creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Spatial Layout: The original cabin houses two bedrooms, a lounge, a bathroom, and a study. The new addition includes a kitchen, dining area, living space, main bedroom, laundry, and bathroom, all oriented towards a north-west facing garden to enhance the connection with the surrounding coastal environment.
Courtyard Design: A central entry courtyard separates the old and new sections of the house, allowing natural light to flood into the master bedroom and providing private garden views.
Ceiling Design: The extension features high ceilings and clean lines, with a dramatic vaulted ceiling in the new living area echoing the exposed rafters of the original structure.
🌿 Integration with Nature
The design emphasizes a strong connection with the natural surroundings, particularly the coastal environment characterized by Melaleuca trees and coastal grasses. Large sliding doors and strategically placed windows frame views of the garden, allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces and fostering a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience.
🏠 Interior Design
The interiors are characterized by a minimalist aesthetic, with a focus on natural materials and textures. The use of timber throughout the interior spaces adds warmth and continuity, while the neutral color palette enhances the sense of tranquility. The careful selection of furnishings and lighting fixtures complements the architectural elements, creating a cohesive and harmonious living environment.