Kabine by Wellard Architects

The Victorian coastal town of Venus Bay – part of the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park on the South Gippsland coastline – is an oasis of pristine beaches, rugged landscapes and wildlife. The dwellings that do exist appear to grow out of the earth, hiding in plain sight.

Kabine, the home of Melbourne-based interior and prop stylist, Bek Sheppard, falls into this proud minority. Designed by Harriet Collins of Wellard Architects, the once worn and weary 1970s cabin is restored and takes a leaf from its surroundings. Though the original home had several shortcomings, it retained an historic charm. “It appealed to us, as it sat on a larger block of land surrounded by Australian natives and was only a short walk to the beach,” says Sheppard of the 53-square-metre abode. “But it needed a lot of love.” Both she and Collins saw this as an opportunity to restore the bones and create a sanctuary.

“We chose earthy materials and simple forms. The architectural language was inspired by Japanese, Danish and Australian modernist design,” adds Collins.

The rustic tones and textures of the Venus Bay landscape served as a beacon for Sheppard and Collins. “We wanted to bring these earthy, raw and natural elements in. We used a subdued palette of greens and neutral tones throughout the home with elements of aluminium and Australian blackbutt,” explains Sheppard. Craftsmanship and tactility were the lodestars for the design, evident in the fixtures, lighting and furniture. This considered approach extended to the joinery, which was meticulously designed and fabricated. One example is the bathroom, which features a European laundry cleverly concealed under joinery, highlighted by a Verde Bardini granite vanity and burnt orange mosaic tiles. The kitchen was treated in a similar manner, with cabinetry and splashback crafted in the same Laminex finish to achieve a striking monolithic appeal. “We chose earthy materials and simple forms. The architectural language was inspired by Japanese, Danish and Australian modernist design,” adds Collins.

As Sheppard explains, the priority was ensuring ample natural light and unobstructed views of the garden and bushland beyond. Window frames were designed using blackbutt timber, while the main kitchen and living areas were flanked with floor-to-ceiling windows to let in sunlight. Similarly, half of the existing facade was replaced with a wide, lattice-like window and front door. Another noteworthy intervention, Collins points out, is the fine row of awning windows. “They ensure plenty of light and ventilation,” she notes. The pair also incorporated soft, low lighting using pendants, floor lamps and beautifully crafted wall lights.

“We wanted to retain what we could, reviving materials where possible and working within the existing footprint,” says Sheppard.

To preserve as much of the original, the designers committed to treading lightly. “We wanted to retain what we could, reviving materials where possible and working within the existing footprint,” says Sheppard. This included the foundations and frames, as well as the pine flooring and limewashed walls. “These help bring in a time-worn warmth and tactility,” shares Collins. Embracing historic elements was not entirely straightforward, however. “Being a small footprint, the challenges lay in accommodating multiple spaces in just a couple of rooms while still maintaining a sense of space and simplicity.” Evidently, the result made it all worthwhile.

Architecture and interior design by Wellard Architects.