point king residence by HASSELL overlooks port phillip bay

point king residence by HASSELL overlooks port phillip bay
photography by © earl carter
all images courtesy of hassell studio

designed by HASSELL, ‘point king residence’,  located on the mornington peninsula in victoria, australia, is distinguished by its cliff top position overlooking the bay below. when viewed from the surrounding area the visual mass of the building is limited, allowing the volume to rest comfortably within its surroundings.

designed primarily as a slatted timber box on a limestone base, the scheme nestles neatly into the rear of the adjacent sloping block. in order to suggest a feeling of weightlessness, the second floor delicately ‘floats’ whilst the  floor below anchors the house to its environment. responding to the project’s immediate context, the ironbark timber facade will fade naturally over time, mimicking the moonah trees indigenous to the area. additionally the limestone base of the structure references a nearby heritage limestone kiln.

a large glazed opening blurs the boundaries of internal and external living space
image © earl carter

image © earl carter

the living accommodation is divided into separate sectors. the shared spaces are designed to bring family and friends together, while the private areas allow the property’s owners to rest and relax in a more secluded setting. each zone is centered around a communal entrance space similar to that found in many european courtyards.

‘king point residence’ positioned comfortably into its surroundings

the architecture of the house is reflected in the interior spaces where limestone is again used alongside recycled timber battens, whilst generously sized rooms provide natural light and ventilation. the architects’ desire to ‘ground’ the house, both physically and figuratively, is evidenced through the use of a sympathetically chosen palette reflecting the local climate. carefully chosen decorative elements are used to ensure that the building provides its occupants with the warmth and familiarity associated with domestic living.

image © earl carter

project info:

client: private client
type: residential
scale: 510 sqm  (5490 sqf)
completed: 2012
location: portsea, australia
photography: earl carter