A Place of Refuge – EPSC Residence by Davidov Architects & Hecker Guthrie

Protection and refuge are not only architectural features of this house, they are also necessary responses to the landscape. Set on an agricultural vineyard along Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, EPSC Residence, designed by Davidov Architects and Hecker Guthrie, plays on intrigue and mystery with an elegance that belies its monolithic materiality and structure.

The play on suspense and reprieve is one of the key design principles of this contemporary farmhouse; it begins long before stepping foot inside and is woven into the experience of the project. Glimpses of the house can be seen from the front gate as you cross areas of dense woodland and open expanses before reaching the house, set deep within the undulating, 25-acre property.

The play on suspense and reprieve is one of the key design principles of this contemporary farmhouse; it begins long before you step foot inside and is woven into the experience of the project.

Arriving at the house, you are greeted by a large wall in bleach white brickwork spanning the length of the residence, grounding it within the landscape. Greenery cascades down its face and there are two identical chimneys protruding from behind the wall, hinting at the structure beyond. A solitary opening at the centre of the wall beckons and draws you down a staircase towards the front door. The sense of intrigue is strong, and it is here at the threshold the house truly unfurls.

On entry, there is an overwhelming feeling of space and light. All the core living spaces – master bedroom, study, kitchen, dining, living and retreat – take in the views of the vineyards and internal courtyard. Large windows precisely frame the prospects, drawing the landscape in and informing the experience. Each room visually and physically flows on from the next, however, the use of sliding doors allows for both private and shared moments.

Thoughtfully planned and meticulously detailed, architecture and interiors unite to create a sanctuary within the landscape.

Perhaps one of the most successful features of EPSC Residence is the ability to walk through the house along the front façade, taking in the internal spaces on one side and the feature colonnade, swimming pool and vast views on the other. This emphasises the experience of the bleach white brickwork that characterises the building both inside and out. Chosen for its durability and longevity, the material is brought into not only the colonnade along the front of the house but several retaining walls and internal walls to enhance the idea of a single, solid structure.

Interiors by Hecker Guthrie complement and soften the geometric architecture and clean lines, bringing warmth and texture in a palette that echoes the surrounding landscape. Soft furnishings in deep forest green and natural linen have a soothing effect against the generous use of stone and glass, enhancing the feeling of refuge created by the architecture.

While captivating, the site is classed within a BAL12 (Bushfire Attack Level) zone. It also falls within the erosion management overlay, posing some of the toughest planning restrictions. Yet these challenges were seen as an opportunity, allowing the sloping hillside, surrounding dense woodland and often windy conditions of the site to inform the design and materiality. One direct response to this was the internal courtyard which, in many ways, is the centre of the house. Through materiality, placement and purpose, it encapsulates many of the key design principles of EPSC Residence and is essential to the seamless spatial experience.

From this hidden, protected courtyard to the strong forms, robust materiality and layered interiors, Davidov Architects and Hecker Guthrie balance openness to the views with a sense of refuge. Thoughtfully planned and meticulously detailed, architecture and interiors unite to create a sanctuary within the landscape.