Flinders House by MAArchitects | Showcasing Fine Art & View’s

The owners of this house, a retired couple, share their time between Melbourne and Flinders, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsular. While they were familiar with this part of the peninsular the owners were also used to working with MA Architects, this project being the fourth to be completed. While the briefs and contexts for all of these projects have been different, this time the emphasis was on capturing the views over Western Port and Phillip Island beyond. “It was also important to create a backdrop for our client’s collection of contemporary art,” says architect Karen Alcock, director of MA Architects, who worked closely with architect Clare McAlister, a former director of the practice. “Hence, we used a significant amount of black, both for the exterior and interior,” adds Alcock.

While the house, given its proximity to a main road and the slope of the site, could have felt exposed, MA Architects positioned the building on the 1,900 square metre site just high enough to take advantage of the views rather than any passing traffic. The black-painted shadow cladding used for the two-storey home’s exterior also makes it appear recessive in the landscape. And unlike some beach/rural retreats that are often larger than many urban homes, this house is approximately 230 square metres. “It was more about creating the right feeling for the house rather than providing rooms that wouldn’t be fully used,” says Alcock. 

Reminiscent of many post war beach houses with wrap around balconies, Flinders House also comes with separate guest quarters at ground level, evocative of weekenders from the past. With two guest bedrooms, a bathroom and a lounge area between the two, the extended family or friends can enjoy a sense of independence. They, like the owners, can also enjoy the extensive art collection displayed on the black walls. “Black certainly accentuates the art, but also the landscape,” says Alcock, pointing out the established pine trees on the property. To add texture, MA Architects included a black-tiled wall framing the staircase that also accentuates the art and sculpture on display. The tiles also pick up on the light which enters the home through the large picture windows.

While the ground level has a more reflective, almost contemplative, feel, the first floor is akin to sitting in the treetops. Comprising the open plan kitchen, dining and living area, there’s also a main bedroom suite with a separate angular-shaped study that’s been slightly ‘cranked’ to benefit from the views of the valley nearby. And when the owners come on their own, the first-floor accommodation and living wing is certainly sufficient for all their needs. “Our clients are keen gardeners and were eager to engage Amanda Oliver for this project,” says Alcock. “The garden was conceived like a series of outdoor rooms,” says Alcock, pointing out the vegetable garden, where produce finds its way into the kitchen. The owners were also conscious of how their kitchen would function (they previously owned a café designed by MA Architects). Hence, the dark and moody kitchen, with its concrete island bench and stainless-steel benches, includes a commercial oven and extensive bench space for preparing meals. And on warmer days, there’s alfresco dining on the terrace. 

While Alcock was conscious of the best way to site this house, she and her team were also mindful of extending views over the valley as well as distant views of Phillip Island – hence the black-painted plywood ceilings are slightly raked, allowing for the large picture windows.  

While many at Flinders are mimicking the large urban home in a rural/coastal setting, MA Architects has demonstrated that one can still enjoy the weekend escape to something that’s relatively modest. And unlike many neighbouring properties, Flinders House offers a point of difference from the city abode – a simpler lifestyle, but strongly connected to this coveted location just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne.