Rammed Earth House by Wood Marsh

Wood Marsh have completed Peninsula House near Melbourne. The curved architecture of the house is inspired by the Australian coastline. 

Surrounded by farmland, Peninsula House sits on the highest point of the property and overlooks the coast. © Timothy Kaye

The detached volume, surrounded by farmland, is accessed via a winding driveway. A long, monumental rammed earth wall adorns the front of the house. It acts as a protective shield, rising up to 10 m at one end and gradually tapering to merge with the landscape at the other. The sculptural living space behind is clad in a dark facade of charred wood. Floor-to-ceiling glazing that follows the shape of the building fills the interior with daylight.

The dark colour scheme of the wooden façade continues inside. Apart from a few areas where the rammed earth structure of the house is still visible, a monochrome design prevails. Black mosaic tiles and wooden slats adorn the walls, while black terrazzo covers the floor. Dark furniture accentuates the cool, minimalist atmosphere. All the more important is the role of daylight, which floods the interior from the entrance area through a lushly planted atrium in the axial centre of the house. 

A monochrome design defines the interior. A planted atrium and large expanses of glass bring daylight into the living area. © Timothy Kaye

Curved corridors lead from the atrium to three distinct zones of the house: living, sleeping and relaxation. The master bedroom is located above the living area and is accessed via a sweeping, darkened staircase. Four further bedrooms provide space for guests. The spacious living area features a vaulted parabolic ceiling, creating a unique acoustic for music-making. Large expanses of glass open up the living area to the adjacent white cypress terrace that surrounds the pool. This is where the owner would like to host larger events with views of the surrounding valley and water.