Situated on the sand dunes on a Melbourne back beach, Wildcoast is a new build designed by Rachcoff Vella Architecture that offers refuge, a place of timeless well-crafted interiors and select fine furniture beautifully set against the wind-swept sand dunes and evocative coastal landscape. The brief was to provide an escape from a busy life, a holiday home in a well known and loved place that encourages the family to connect and create lifelong memories.
“The spatial arrangement, orientation, views and the onerous site-specific height and setback requirements were all strong drivers during the design process, producing long extruded north facing living spaces that are defined by furniture and joinery, not walls. The ground floor bunkers in with bedrooms thumped deep into the dunes, the floating first floor living zone takes in the spectacular views and acts as the command station overseeing all activities.” – Rachcoff Vella Architecture
This new home has been designed in a way that the concept revolves around the connection with the environment. This aesthetic appeal is complemented by the durability of the materials, which are designed to withstand the adverse conditions the Australian weather has to offer. Within a deep recessive void, an oversized timber door opens to present a soft, welcoming underbelly of winter beach tones and a sense of calm.
Internally, a strong coastal vibe is evident with the use of predominantly muted but beautiful modern composition of materials and finishes. This aesthetic creates the perfect balance of warmth and softness in the interiors, and allows for a seamless connection to the outdoors and the surrounding environment.
“The effort and rigour involved in details like the alignment of; light fittings with joinery, concrete patterns with door handles and tap fittings with tile layouts had to be seen but not heard. A restrained material selection reduces noise and allows specific details to shine. Random patterns of stained timber battens against white sand joinery, celebrate a beautiful imperfection and mimic driftwood awash on the shore.” – Rachcoff Vella Architecture
Refuge at Wildcoast is about creating a calm sense of place that provides opportunities for memories to be created, it resists complication and presents the contrary to a busy city life.
House Project: Wildcoast
Architect: Rachcoff Vella Architecture
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Type: New Build
Builder: Layton Builders
Interior Styling: Design / Orr Build
Photographer: Shannon McGrath
