Perched gracefully on the crest of a sand dune in South Gippsland's Venus Bay, Hide House is an architectural marvel. Surrounded by coastal Tea Tree, this residence boasts panoramic views of Anderson’s Inlet's waterways to the north and the grassy tidal plains to the east. In stark contrast, it turns its back to the relentless south-westerly winds that define the region, embodying a meticulous balance between resilience and serenity.
Hide House is designed as a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne. The owners envisioned a space where they could increasingly spend time living and working remotely. Moreover, the design had to accommodate an influx of friends and family during summers and holiday seasons. To meet these needs, the guest bedrooms, a bunkroom, and additional living space are situated on the lower level, while the upper level houses the main living spaces and the owners’ bedroom. This thoughtful distribution ensures both privacy and community, making it an adaptable and versatile home.
The unique sculptural form of Hide House is achieved through the juxtaposition of a curved upper level resting upon a more rectilinear lower volume. This design not only elevates the home but also maximizes the breathtaking views—a dynamic mise-en-scène of migrating birds, roaming cattle, and passing kangaroos, all framed by the shadows of clouds overhead. The elevated configuration offers a commanding yet unobtrusive vantage point, reminiscent of the ‘bird hides’ or ‘look-outs’ found in the local area, allowing residents to enjoy wildlife vistas while remaining concealed within the landscape.
Sustainability is at the heart of Hide House, with a design that ensures minimal environmental disturbance. Both the upper and lower volumes are clad in sustainably harvested Silvertop Ash. The upper level features a refined shiplap cladding, while the lower volume employs a more rugged inverse board and batten. This choice of materials not only meets the bushfire attack level requirements but also blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, enhancing the home’s resilience and aesthetic appeal.
The house’s orientation and materiality offer protection from the harsh south-westerly winds and afternoon sun, creating a series of sheltered outdoor spaces. These zones frame captivating views of the surrounding landscape, fostering a deep connection between the indoor and outdoor environments.
Central to Hide House’s design is the family dining area, conceptualized as an outdoor room to maximize the home’s connection to its stunning environment. Instead of an exposed exterior deck, which would be vulnerable to the elements and potentially obstruct views, the dining and kitchen area features an oversized sliding window. This innovative design allows the space to open fully to the outside, seamlessly merging the indoor and outdoor realms. The use of Spotted Gum wood further reinforces this connection, echoing the immersive timber spaces and long horizontal openings typical of bird hide shelters.
Hide House is a paragon of energy efficiency and self-sufficiency. All heating and cooking are powered by fossil fuel-free, highly energy-efficient appliances and heat pump technologies. The home is off-grid, not connected to mains gas, sewer, or water supply. Rainwater is meticulously collected and utilized, while ceiling fans and high operable windows ensure a comfortable thermal environment without reliance on external energy sources.
Hide House in Venus Bay is more than just a retreat; it is an architectural statement that harmonizes with its natural surroundings while offering modern comforts and sustainability. By prioritizing views, environmental resilience, and energy efficiency, this home serves as an inspiring example of how architecture can create a haven that respects and enhances its environment. Whether for a quiet solo retreat or a bustling family gathering, Hide House provides a unique and enriching living experience, deeply rooted in its spectacular coastal context.
Roofing: Colorbond Kliplok, Lysaght, Monument
External Walls:
Lower floor: 125 x 25 and 75 x 25 Silvertop Ash reverse board and batten cladding, Cutek low-VOC clear
Upper floor: 110 x 19 Vertical Silvertop Ash Shiplap cladding, Cutek low-VOC clear. Silvertop Ash vertical battens
External Decking: Silvertop Ash, Cutek low-VOC clear
Awnings: Heka Hoods, 1500 x 600 Black
Internal:
Timber Lining: Armourply Spotted Gum hardwood plywood, Big River, Loba Duo 2K matt clear finish
Internal ceiling: Hoop pine plywood
Plasterboard, Paint finish
Tiles:
Terrazzo, EM-7706, Signorino
Inax Madoka MDK32, Artedomus
Windows + Doors: Aluminium powder coat black, Talum Windows
Internal Floors:
ArmourFloor Engineered Spotted Gum floorboards
Escape Twist, Yasmin, Supertuft
Cabinetry:
ArmourCab Spotted Gum, Black film birch plywood, Black Granite, Woodbeast
2-pac ‘Angry Ocean’, Southcoast Kitchens
Linear 02 Spotted Gum pulls, In-teria
Fixtures and Fittings:
Lighting:
Highline Pendant 1800mm, Patina Finish, Archier
Ceto Floor Lamp, Ross Gardam
Ambience Lighting
Masson for Light
Kitchen:
Integrated Refrigeration 800mm French door (RS80AU1)
Wall Oven 60cm, Oven, 11 Function, Pyrolytic Black (RS80AU1)
Cooktop 90cm, Induction, 5 Zone (CI905DTB3)
Extraction 60cm, Built-in Rangehood (HPB6028-1)
Integrated Dishwasher 15 Place Settings with Sanitise (DW60U6I1)
Washer / Dryer (WD8560F1)
Bathrooms generally: Reece Plumbing Fixtures – Sussex Scala Range, Satin Chrome
Bathroom Basin: Custom Basin, Zak Chalmers, Valley Plains Pottery
Ensuite Basin: Saturn Insert Basin 900 Solid Surface Matt White, Thomas Coward Studio, United Products
Door handles/stops: Handleworks Mornington
Cabinetry handles: Linear 02 Spotted Gum pulls, In-teria
Robe hooks: Half Moon - Spotted Gum, In-teria
Venus Bay, Victoria, Australia