Portsea Residence

by FGR Architects

From The Architect

Effortlessly standing out in the scenic landscape of Portsea, Victoria, FGR Architects have brought the best of simple contemporary house design, by creating a rectangular module home which stands out amongst the establishment.

The architectural design of this house is meticulous and considerate, where upon first look it appears to be floating above the landscape, as if perched on a crest. The unique land typology where the house is located, allowed architects to design a six-metre cantilever before gently cascading.

This unique engineering behaviour of the build, informs its considered design approach and creates a stunning idea of modern Australian architecture. A core central module stabilises the two parts of the unique lineal structure which is thirty metres in length and eleven metres wide.

Taking advantage of where the house is located; at the top of a hill, architects created an under croft of the floating wing, which allows for three cars to be housed in a covered space.

The true beauty of the house however, is upon arrival. Cars must navigate a battle axe layout through the surrounding parkland, winding through a pear tree lined driveway before finally walking up a definitive trail of stone steps to the front door.

Cleverly, the rear of the house is experienced before the front, with the main entry point of the house easily accessible at the back. Feras Raffoul; Director of FGR Architects, said it was important the house design allowed for privacy, whilst still maintaining the incredible views of Portsea beach and surrounding parklands. “We really took advantage of the unique location and typology of the site to truly appreciate the surrounds. There is a beautiful sense of transparency in the building where you can look through either side of the house and absorb the views. This house was designed to be appreciated all year round. There is a simple timelessness to the design of the house. The family will be able to look out and see the world but remain in privacy from onlookers.”

Inside the house, architects have designed a clean and comfortable atmosphere. The sun-protected sitting area within the central module of the house is made from a frameless wall, creating an overall transparency, which allows for the house to breath from one end to the other. With one half being a living space with an open glazed façade, and the other being a private space which hovers above ground, and houses three bedrooms and two bathrooms. A pure and simple palette was used throughout to create a timeless elegance. With internal renders carefully selected to match the exterior of the building. “A deliberate decision was made to use minimalist interior materials as to not take away from the views, which each room is strategically positioned to capture.”