Musk Creek Residence, Flinders

The Musk Creek Residence, located in Flinders, Victoria, was designed for a couple from the city and their three dogs looking to retire to a coastline farm. The steeply sloping block of the land has breath-taking views of the western port and subject to strong ocean winds. A level area for the building was created by benching the site which involves cutting into the slope with a four-metre high concrete wall.

The low-slung, glazed modernist pavilion was clad in metal, similar to that of a rural barn or shed, and finished in a deep liquorice colour. The large open spaces inside the house are made to feel warmer and more contained by the dark colour palette that continues through the interior.

The timber panels punctuate the sections of metal cladding, and the dark, moody palette is tempered by light polished concrete floors and white ceilings.

The building wraps around a north-facing garden creating a protected, sun-filled internal courtyard that houses the couple’s swimming pool and large outdoor entertaining area. The floor to ceiling windows that span the full length of the structure creates a sense of transparency with the surrounding landscape. From there, occupants and visitors can enjoy uninterrupted views of the ocean, minus the strong winds.

Photography by Derek Swalwell.