The Marlo Summer House

Located in a small costal town on Victoria’s east coast the project is a renovation of a modest beach cottage that has stayed within the family for generations. Abutting a costal reserve, the property has uninterrupted views of the Snowy River and surrounding wetlands.

In keeping with the original character, the house was to be understated, a low-maintenance space that could be enjoyed by everyone. While the original cottage remains with updates throughout, we build a continuation of its story through the extension and new structure. The region’s pastural heritage was a key influence, with the architecture taking cues from the slatted barns that dot the landscape on the road into town.

The original cottage is dedicated to sleeping quarters with a large bunk room for the extended family’s young children. Connected through a transitional breezeway linking old and new, the main volume reflects the simple forms of the slatted barns with charcoal cladding providing a clear distinction. This modest agricultural language was further developed using raw timbers and galvanized steel.

Through a large sliding door, the breezeway transitions into the main entertaining area where an open kitchen and dining space spills out onto a generous timber deck and landscape beyond. A place to be in each other’s company, sliding doors frame views of the setting sun over the estuary. Here the galvanised steel plate canopies add a subtle shimmer to the dark façade with vertical balustrades casting striking shadows throughout the day.

The interior focuses on the expansive views of the landscape, capturing the native trees and lush surrounds. From this, the palette draws moments of green and warm, tonal hues. The exposed timber ceiling brings texture to the light walls in the main living space, while the use of dark terrazzo finishes in the wet areas create a cooling calmness.

Sage accents on the joinery compliment this natural warmth with black steel shelves and light fittings providing a sharp contrast. The kitchen incorporates custom details with recessed steel handles accented to match the sage highlights in the drinks bar cum pantry. Grooved panelling to the door faces and island subtly reference the slatted barns that inspired the architecture.

Reflecting the relaxed character of its surrounds the house draws from the regions heritage to expand the family holiday home for the next generation.