Mornington Peninsula Point King

Located around the bay from my residence lies my favourite beach, Point King with it’s commanding cliffs and azure blue waters dotted by private jetties and boat-sheds. Located at Portsea on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia. The site is characterised by its cliff top location and orientation towards the north. The entire house sits almost two metres below ground level, limiting the visual bulk of the building. The house has been designed as a slatted timber box overlaying a limestone base. Nestled into the rear of a sloping block, the ground floor anchors the house, allowing the second floor to ‘float’, suggesting lightness. The ironbark timber facade will fade to a grey colour, mimicking the Moonah trees indigenous to the area. The limestone base references a nearby heritage-listed limestone kiln. Generously scaled rooms foster light and natural ventilation. The interiors reflect the architecture of the house, using limestone excavated from the site and recycled timber battens. The palette is sympathetic to the local climate and the client’s desire to ground the house, both physically and figuratively. I have watched this house literally come out of the ground and I love the result. Looking up from the beach below the house sits quietly amongst the tee trees and moonahs.

Story by Richard Misso . Point King Residence by Hassell photo credit : Earl Carter