Location
Victoria, Australia
Sector
Residential
Project
Architecture, interior architecture
Formed by a series of distinctly unique experiences, Ocean House is an immersive and protective enclave set in Wye River, a secluded township along the rugged coastline of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.
Designed as a robust yet refined retreat for family and friends, the house responds to its dramatic setting with strength and subtlety.
The design articulates a dynamic interplay of geometries and forms, creating varied spatial encounters and ever-shifting connections to the sea. Rounded windows and angular balustrades recall nautical design elements, gestures reminiscent of a ship’s portholes and railings—framing views that stretch out toward the ocean.
The balance between solid and transparent forms evokes a sense of poised harmony, echoing the contrast between the home’s crisp silhouette and the wildness of its surrounding landscape.
An expansive rooftop terrace is recessed into the upper volume of the home, shielded by enveloping walls to offer refuge from prevailing coastal winds. The choice of materials—concrete, timber, and glass—ensures resilience in the face of ocean air and weathering, while simultaneously allowing the house to age gracefully.
The raw, monochromatic palette reflects the tonality of the nearby eucalyptus forest and encourages the home to remain a quiet observer of its environment. Anchored by a concrete masonry base, Ocean House steps confidently into the hillside, while the lighter upper volumes cantilever outward, engaging the panoramic views beyond the Great Ocean Road.
Inside, the interior palette is subdued, emphasizing comfort and connection to the outdoors, with minimal maintenance required for long-term use.
Ocean House has been conceived as a shared and flexible dwelling. Modular planning allows the residence to adapt to different group sizes, whether hosting an extended family or offering private quarters for individual guests.
