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A House That Follows The Light

Architecture

Christopher Megowan first moved to Melbourne from Los Angeles with his then-girlfriend (now wife) for what he expected to be a one-year working holiday. 10 years, twin daughters, and even one bought-and-sold food truck (!) later, Chris is six years into his Melbourne-based architecture practice, Megowan Architectural, with a team of four other designers.

Completed in August 2017, Chris and the team have been working on Two Angle house for five years. A modern home by the sea oriented according to optimise natural light, the project has spanned almost the entire life of his practice.

11th June, 2018

The Two Angle house by Megowan Architecture in Mount Eliza. Photo – Tom Blachford. Styling – Remodern Furniture.

‘There is a unity between the interior, exterior and siting decisions which I feel is quite successful,’ says Chris. Photo – Tom Blachford. Styling – Remodern Furniture.

The interior and exterior are a play on the contrast between two angles of internal organization,’ explains Christopher. Photo – Tom Blachford. Styling – Remodern Furniture.

The living area looks out over the ocean. Photo – Tom Blachford. Styling – Remodern Furniture.

Organic-meets-sleek kitchen. Photo – Tom Blachford. Styling – Remodern Furniture.

A gum-timber lined ceiling adds organic texture to the otherwise sleek house. Photo – Tom Blachford. Styling – Remodern Furniture.

The house is oriented to make the most of the light throughout the day. Photo – Tom Blachford. Styling – Remodern Furniture.

An open-plan living space divided by levels. Photo – Tom Blachford. Styling – Remodern Furniture.

Strong architectural lines frame the incredible views. Photo – Tom Blachford. Styling – Remodern Furniture.

Photo – Tom Blachford. Styling – Remodern Furniture.

The west-facing balcony, making the most of the sweeping ocean vista. Photo – Tom Blachford. Styling – Remodern Furniture.

Christopher admits that at times it was difficult to retain the integrity of the initial design with so many different parties involved over such an extended period. Photo – Tom Blachford. Styling – Remodern Furniture.

This project took almost five years to complete! Photo – Tom Blachford. Styling – Remodern Furniture.

A modern structure among the wild landscape. Photo – Tom Blachford. Styling – Remodern Furniture.

Sally Tabart
Monday 11th June 2018

Situated against the picturesque backdrop of Mount Eliza, the Two Angle House by Megowan Architectural is all about contrast.

The house itself is impressive; a thoroughly modern structure with plenty of glass, to make the most of the sweeping ocean views and natural surrounds. ‘The interior and exterior are a play on the contrast between two angles of internal organisation,’ says Christopher, which explains the project’s name. ‘There’s the contrast between warm and cold materials, and a considered contrast between architecture and landscape’.

Structurally made up of squares and rectangles of varying scale, strong architectural lines provide frames for the wild, rugged landscape which the house inhabits. This interplay between sleek and organic continues throughout the interiors, with polished concrete flooring softened by elements such as a timber lined ceiling, and timber panelling. 

With rooms oriented considering the movement of the sun, the residents’ daily routines follow the light and warmth. Facing East and North, the master bedroom sees epic morning sunlight, whereas the West and North oriented kitchen, living and outdoor terrace experience dramatic sunsets.

Christopher admits that at times it was difficult to retain the integrity of the initial design, with so many different parties involved over such an extended construction period. A change of builders mid-way through the project made things even more challenging, as you can imagine! After some instability, Kabsav Projects joined the team, taking over the bulk of the build, and ‘in many cases even improved on the design intent,’ Chris says. Goes to show, a good team really is everything!

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The Design Files acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

First Nations artists, designers, makers, and creative business owners are encouraged to submit their projects for coverage on The Design Files. Please email bea@thedesignfiles.net