Designed by Rachcoff Vella Architecture, Silver Linings is a new beachfront home located in Black Rock, Australia. The structure sits on top of a rise, offering up an entry path through sand dunes, layered beach grass and aged timber planks. The client’s brief was to design and build a new home that takes on a minimalist approach with a restricted material palette, that was to be limited in complexity but defiant in individual character and charm. Let’s go and take a look!
“This is a family home needing to accommodate the love and punishment, trials and tribulations of family life. Materially this was taken care of by the pure nature and robustness of the chosen palette. Spatially a program was devised that allowed collective family time as well as parent or individual zones for alone time. Coming together as a family is either nestled in the basement cave hidden away from the world or up in the light and airy living zones where sea breezes and an abundance of natural light are the backdrop to conversations.” – Rachcoff Vella Architecture
The goal was set to achieve an architectural outcome that would comprise a limited material list; recycled silver timber, off-form concrete, brass, white oak joinery, a variety of bespoke fittings and fixtures all handmade and painstakingly sourced. This restrained material palette has been put together seamlessly and gracefully based on a fluid design and build process that allows for experimentation and an exploration of ideas.
“The design intent was to ensure that nothing was left to chance. If it could be resolved through design and detailing, then that’s what was done. All attempts were made to make the most complex item appear invisible. What quickly became apparent was that the raw and unfinished, unpainted- untiled-skim coated surfaces meant continuous detailing and supervision until the very end, a passionate and collaborative effort by all.” – Rachcoff Vella Architecture
Doesn’t it seem that some of the most precious and important things in life come with a long wait-time? With a five year journey from start to finish, Silver Linings by Rachcoff Vella Architecture proves that while the process of building your dream home may seem long at first, the final destination will be absolutely worth it.
House Project: Silver Linings
Architect: Rachcoff Vella Architecture
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Type: New Build
Photography: Tatjana Plitt
