march studio crafts timber somers beach house in australia
photo by john gollings
all images courtesy of march studio

 

 

 

located on the peninsula of mornington, near melbourne, australia, ‘somers beach house’ carefully studies the typology of a coastline dwelling. designed by local practice march studio, the property was influenced by A-frame and skillion roof structures present in the region. envisioned as a modern day beach house, the client requested that the new home was capable of accommodating large numbers of guests alongside their personal art collection. in order to rejuvenate the site, it was important that the house opened up to its surroundings, as well as the community in which it is located.

march studio somers beach house designboom
the two rooflines fall towards each other, minimizing the visual mass of the dwelling
photo by john gollings

 

 

 

the composition of the residence comprises two main buildings arranged in an L-shape. in section, the angular nature of the house evolved from the combination of the two timber framed structures. both made from the same glu-lam beam, the guest building is a simple skillion roof structure and consists of a carport, shed, two guest bedrooms, shared bathroom and laundry. the main building is a contorted A-frame construction and contains the kitchen, living, dining, bathroom and master bedroom. the two rooflines fall towards each other, minimizing the visual mass of the dwelling and also signify the directions of optimal solar gain.

march studio somers beach house designboom
a network of decking, covered partially by pergolas, stitches the two structures together
photo by john gollings

 

 

 

encouraging the clients to spend time outdoors, a network of decking – covered partially by pergolas – stitches the two structures together. the openings between these beams nurture the growth of vegetation, connecting the ground with the landscape and consequently anchoring the property.

 

internally, the timber structure is expressed throughout and finished in a lime wash, while the color palette allows artwork to be hung in a neutral environment. the highlight windows to the north of the main building are protected by retractable blinds, which allow for dynamic shadow plays throughout the year.

march studio somers beach house designboom
the design encourages the clients to spend more time outdoors
photo by john gollings

march studio somers beach house designboom
the home opens up towards the garden
photo by john gollings

march studio somers beach house designboom
the color palette allows artwork to be hung in a neutral environment
photo by john gollings

march studio somers beach house designboom
the timber structure is expressed throughout and finished in a lime wash
photo by john gollings

march studio somers beach house designboom
the highlight windows to the north of the main building are protected by retractable blinds
photo by john gollings

march studio somers beach house designboom
the shading allows for dynamic shadow play throughout the year
photo by john gollings

march sxtudio somers beach house designboom
‘somers beach house’ gently illuminated by night
photo by john gollings

 

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