Extension to an existing timber farmhouse on the Mornington Peninsula to enhance the access to external views

Architects: Claire Scorpo Architects
Location: Shoreham, Australia
Year: 2017
Photo courtesy: Tom Ross of Brilliant Creek
Description:

“As an extension to an existing timber farmhouse on the Mornington Peninsula, this design enhanced access to external views and increased the amount of guest accommodation. Focused towards the dominant southern views, the guest rooms form a wedge grafted onto the existing building, connected to the original building yet able to become closed off and independent. Simple materials have been applied with a modest language engaging with the rural environment.

A sleep out for visiting guests within an existing machinery shed, shoreham III examines the essentials of occupation, and priorities engagement and connection over privacy and bigness.

Retaining the history of the machinery shed was essential, so finding a language of the new ensured this was maintained.

Plywood sheets gave contrast to the rough cut cypress externally, and the existing machine oiled posts were given the same presence, inside and out. The existing pine lining boards were extended on the ceiling to emphasis the drop in section, out to the view beyond.

A new glazed wall is pulled away from the eves, exposing the elementary structure beneath. This facade hinges back to create a deep verrandah space angling out to the northern views beyond, and providing protection in the summer heat. The entry door folds inwards directing guests into the space on the tangent.

Three sleep nooks have been inserted into the existing shed, and work to curate the space in-between. Each of these internal spaces open to one corner to allow long views whilst sitting within; intimate and connected simultaneously. A colour defines each room, and a character for way finding.

The resulting space in-between makes more of its footprint by inversely borrowing extended views though open corners, and allowing an informal flow of the program within.”