This striking home is perched on a steep and exposed rocky hill overlooking the Cathedral Ranges, subtly blending into its surroundings without competing with its breathtaking views.
The young family that purchased the vacant block wanted a weekend nature retreat from their everyday city lives, with a brief to Jak Architecture that was simple: a low-maintenance home with a strong connection to the surrounding setting.
According to Sophie Goetz, JAK Architecture design director, the clients wanted the setting to be the hero and the house to step aside, without feeling overdone or competing with the view.
The team at JAK Architecture devised an L-shaped plan, embedding the house’s northern edge into the hillside to create a protected enclosure for the pool and entertaining terrace.
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On the other side, the southern facade offers breathtaking views of the Cathedral Ranges through full-height glazing, with the building nestled into the earth and planting kept minimal to soften the house into the hillside.
The main living areas and master bedrooms look out toward the ranges, while the additional bedrooms, laundry, and garage face west into the bushland, with even the master en suite prioritizing a connection to the setting with a circular window capturing the view.
The material palette was also carefully considered, with inspiration taken from regional Victoria’s agriculture, using barn forms and corrugated rooflines to inform the building’s exterior.
Inside, the palette is shaped by the surrounding bushland, with natural fibres, linens, wools, leather, and timber consistent throughout the home’s furnishing, creating a sense of resilience and careful building in a vulnerable setting.
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They note that the house’s calm and liveable nature is a key aspect of its design, with large sliding doors that open to the south and north, creating a sense of living outdoors.
JAK Architecture is proud of how quietly the house sits in its setting, blending seamlessly into the surrounding environment.
It is a peaceful addition to the Cathedral Ranges.