Coastal Compound by Carr

Coastal Compound by Carr is a residence immersed in a beachside landscape that takes inspiration from structures such as a mansion in Bel Air to the likes of robust and brutalist forms.

Spacious and tranquil, Coastal Compound is unapologetic about the scale of its footprint. “There are spaces for retreat and play year-round for large or small gatherings,” describes Chris McCue, managing director of Carr. “It’s a proper entertainment compound for the extended family to get together.” Located in the Mornington Peninsula, the architectural response unfolds as a symphony of interconnected spaces, each designed to optimise natural light and ventilation. Aiming to blur the lines between inside and out, the main living area opens generously to the landscape, encouraging movement between enclosed and open spaces. Carr ensures the familiar lightness expected of a coastal home is carried through the home while embedding a level of durability that suits the corrosive nature of the location’s elements.

Spacious and tranquil, Coastal Compound is unapologetic about the scale of its footprint.

Although not a main residence, convenience and elevated luxury was integral to the brief to ensure a level of comfort and longevity. Wanting to accommodate the family unit over time, the scale of the compound is not dissimilar to that of a boutique hotel. Equipped with a private pool, multiple outdoor terraces and a tennis court, there is no need to leave once checked in. “We wanted a singular and pure form that hugged the natural contours set deep into the site to capture sun year-round,” says Chris. “To achieve this, we worked the levels of the house to the specific topography of the site.”

Although large in scale, there is a clear effort to not overpower the landscape. “We broke down the overall form to avoid an entirely monolithic outcome,” says Chris. “We split the form and bent it around the corners to truly embed Coastal Compound within the landscape and create the appearance of it having evolved out of the soil.” Needing to withstand the environment, incoming winds and rust, the materiality of concrete is, as Chris describes, “an ode to the Brutalist bunkers that emerge out of the coastal landscape.”

Although not a main residence, convenience and elevated luxury was integral to the brief to ensure a level of comfort and longevity.

Coastal Compound is designed for both its current and future occupation, considering impact, durability and a timelessness throughout. It is through this curated lens that Carr is able to weave the idea of legacy into each of their projects, avoiding responding to trends but to place, people and time.

Architecture and interior design by Carr. Build by Pace Development Group. Landscape Design by Acre.