Coastal resonance Portsea Victoria

Nestled into the crest of a leafy hill in the southern state of Victoria in Australia, Portsea House by Wood Marsh Architecture stands in bold contrast to the surrounding natural landscape.Inspired by tall white stone cliffs, charred driftwood and the fluid nature of the surrounding ocean, the form is defined by a rounded, abstract black mass floating atop a rammed earth wall.

All of these elements make themselves present when viewing the house from the street and resonate subtly through the interior. The amount of light and fauna brought into the main level also transforms it into a seamless indoor/outdoor experience. We often discuss what is “Australian style” and surely this abundance to natural light and the blurring of boundaries between the indoors and out are trademarks.

Upon entering the house through the curved retaining wall, a secluded bar and entertaining space sits hidden opposite the main staircase. The main level is characterised by a full-height glazed rear façade that frames the surrounding landscape. The main level contains an indoor terrarium used to separate the kitchen and dining room from the structure’s two wings – Inspired by its environmental surroundings, Portsea House is filled with suggestions of the Australian coast: the undulating black walls, influenced by the nearby ocean, are appropriately used to divide the living spaces

Story by Nic-Kaiko Follow him on Instagram kaiko_design

Photographs Peter Bennetts