Story

First House Past the Trees

A harmonious blend of architecture and nature in Barwon Heads Nestled on Wadawurrung Country along the northern edge of Barwon Heads, the First House Past the Trees is a residential project that embraces its natural surroundings. The site, once vacant, is characterized by its undulating terrain and the presence of three indigenous Moonah trees, which are central to the design concept. These trees, protected and revered in the area, dictate the spatial arrangement of the house. The architecture is divided into three distinct components: two sheds, a sleeping pavilion, and a living pavilion. The sheds serve as entry points and provide essential storage, while the L-shaped sleeping pavilion is thoughtfully oriented around the Moonah trees, creating a serene connection with nature. The living pavilion is designed to be open and light-filled, accommodating the daily activities of the household. The elevation of the house allows it to float between the ground and the canopy, creating a visual separation from the garden while maintaining a strong connection through strategically placed windows. These apertures frame views of the garden, enhancing the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. Materials are carefully selected to reflect the surrounding environment. Monotonal fibre-cement panels and blockwork walls echo the silver bark of the Moonah trees, while timber batten screens filter light in a manner reminiscent of the tree canopies. Inside, a combination of plasterboard and plywood defines utility spaces and adds a sense of volume.

Design Highlights

Integration of indigenous Moonah trees into the architectural layout Use of monotonal fibre-cement panels and blockwork walls Timber batten screens for light filtration Elevated structure providing a floating effect Windows designed to frame garden views