Moombaki

A Single-Level Home That Celebrates the Margaret River Landscape.

Located on the northern banks of the Margaret River, this single-level house negotiates and celebrates its complicated site conditions. Set on a steeply falling field of wild grasses, the house’s northern elevation is partially embedded into the earth, minimising its visual bulk on approach while protecting it from the harsh summer sun. Facing a stunning panoramic view to its south, the long house projects slightly over the hill, full height high performance glass stacking doors opening the house to its views and the environment.

Designed as a home for a retired couple, a cruciform plan splits the house between their ‘permanent’ rooms and a zoned guest wing with service rooms. A formal guest entry descends from the north side of the house into a protected outdoor area that is shielded from the region’s sometimes howling afternoon winds. On calm days doors are opened on both side of the house’s central lounge, creating an outdoor room that is extended by a deck that floats over the landscape. A main bedroom suite and office are located on the eastern end of the house, facing the morning sun and small protected garden.  

A sculptural butterfly roof runs the length of the house, flicking up to let sunlight into the house while maintaining a larger roof plane for north facing solar panels. A single box gutter runs the length of the house, collecting rainwater at one end, while planted roofs over the garage and study connect the house back to the land, blurring its edges when seen from uphill.

Built in a high-risk bushfire zone, the house employs fire resistant materials and limits its exposure to anticipated fire fronts. A sprinkler system concealed in the elevations increases occupant protection.