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Sam and Sarah have lived in Two Halves House since it was built in 2017.
After giving up on initial plans to renovate their previous home with Moloney Architects, the couple engaged co-founder Mick Moloney for a completely new build and began the ‘hunt’ for a block of land.
They settled on a six-acre site in Invermay, a small suburb in the City of Ballarat. ‘Located just over the crest of a hill, it offered seclusion and a natural habitat full of wildflowers, wattles, and gums,’ Sam says.
‘Our initial brief to Mick was to design a sustainable house to fit the land, make use of the views to the south and the light to the north. We wanted the house to feel connected to its surroundings and be a place for family and friends to spend time together.’
Moloney Architects designed the residence in two halves connected by a walkway, anchoring each one into the natural slope of the landscape. The upper pavilion features the bedrooms, while the lower level contains the kitchen, dining, and living spaces.
Sam says this unique floor plan means the house is an intimate retreat when it’s just the couple and their kids, but that it can expand to welcome ‘100 people just as easily as four.’ The outdoor entertaining area with a built-in kitchen has also played host to everything from bonfires and family barbecues, to larger events like comedy shows.
Inspired by their love of timber, Sam and Sarah decided to clad the entire exterior in naturally fire-resistant blackbutt and line the interiors with ply. All the finishes are deliberately subtle to ‘let the landscape shine’ and wide windows combined with the origami ceilings fill the rooms with natural light across the day.
The couple also took on a project management role, overseeing construction of the carefully crafted house, which they’ve just listed for sale in order to take on new projects. Sam says it’s bittersweet, and the family will miss seeing kangaroos from their kitchen bench while they have their morning coffee, and hearing the sounds of wildlife just outside.
‘At dawn, we get glimpses of the sunrise from our bedroom, beginning the journey of connection to the landscape as you walk past windows with views in every direction,’ Sam adds.
‘This house can’t help but make you feel calm.’
78 Silverwattle Drive, Invermay, VIC is listed for sale with McGrath Ballarat.
