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When you’re afforded a ‘blank canvas’ with spectacular views, it’s the duty of any good architect and designer to make the most of them.
Fishharven by Neil Architecture and Nicole Bell Design not only allows the landscape to shine, but the new building feels anchored within the rolling hills of Fish Creek — almost like it had always been there.
Having previously worked with Neil Architecture on the design of their Melbourne family home, the clients again turned to the team to create a multigenerational retreat on this sprawling hectare in South Gippsland.
‘As this was a vacant block subdivided from a neighbouring property, there was no existing house or architectural style to respond to,’ studio director Will Phung says.
‘While this provided a blank canvas and greater design freedom, it also meant the project needed to carefully establish its own identity and respond sensitively to the surrounding rural context.’
A key requirement was to avoid a single large, dominant building. Instead, the resulting dwelling appears more like a cluster of smaller, interconnected forms clad in galvanised steel — reminiscent of local farm outbuildings.
Distinctive gabled roofs give each section of the home a sculptural edge, as the floor plan itself is neatly arranged to accommodate various multigenerational living arrangements and visits from extended family.
With the main bedroom located at one end of the central living area, the additional bedrooms are nestled on the opposite side of the property for privacy.
This also affords each room its own unique outlook, thanks to expansive windows capturing 360-degree views from Corner Inlet to Wilsons Promontory and Bass Strait.
Inside, polished concrete floors are met with timber joinery, terracotta-coloured tiles and silvertop ash timber cladding that cloaks the entire house in a feeling of warmth.
For the interior styling, Nicole Bell was also careful not to overshadow the immersive setting of the undulating hills.
‘The home’s exposed location called for a cocooning retreat with a cosy atmosphere that would resonate with the dramatic landscape,’ she adds.
‘The colour palette is reflective of the surrounding nature; rolling hills of rich soil and lush grass, dusty roads, muted wind-warped trees, foliage and rocks, wide silvery skies and glassy waters. All dialled up to “rich” and down to “muted” to suit the scale and use of each room.’
It’s a perfect haven — a true retreat from the world outside.
