Fishharven by Neil Architecture

Emerging from the undulating hills of Fish Creek like a modern refuge, Fishharven by Neil Architecture blends seamlessly into its idyllic surroundings. This intimate weekend retreat, just two hours east of Melbourne, boasts panoramic views towards Wilsons Promontory and Bass Strait.

At just more than a hectare, the project site provides an expansive canvas for the architectural narrative. The initial brief from the clients, for whom this is a second collaboration with Neil Architecture, emphasised creating a compact, single-storey home where every room maximised the spectacular views. This vision was realised through a long, narrow plan segmented into three primary sculptural volumes, each offset to enhance the visual and spatial experience. The central zone, housing the open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas, features a raked ceiling that theatrically frames the breathtaking vistas.

The design language of Fishharven is deeply rooted in the vernacular of the surrounding agricultural buildings, an approach that revealed itself during the many drives from Melbourne to the site.

The design language of Fishharven is deeply rooted in the vernacular of the surrounding agricultural buildings, an approach that revealed itself during the many drives from Melbourne to the site. Corrugated galvanised steel cladding was selected for the exterior, offering a robust, economical and bushfire-resistant solution that mirrors the utilitarian structures dotting the South Gippsland region. “We liked the idea of creating a building that took its inspiration from these purposely typical structures,” explains David Neil, founder and principal architect of Neil Architecture. This approach not only anchors the home in its rural context but also provides practical resilience against the region’s sometimes harsh climatic conditions.

Internally, Fishharven is designed with a flexible layout to accommodate varying numbers of occupants. The primary bedroom and ensuite are situated at one end of the central living area, while the secondary bedrooms, bathroom and snug are positioned at the other. This thoughtful configuration allows the home to expand or contract, ensuring a comfortable stay regardless of the number of guests. A separate building – with its own asymmetrical, pitched roof – contains the garage and storage shed and is positioned at the front of the site, enhancing the home as a collection of structures.

Corrugated galvanised steel cladding was selected for the exterior, offering a robust, economical and bushfire-resistant solution that mirrors the utilitarian structures dotting the South Gippsland region.

Attention to detail and material choice were paramount in Fishharven’s execution. With its galvanised steel cladding, the exterior references the area’s rural farm sheds, while the use of silvertop ash timber for both interior and exterior applications meet the site’s high bushfire threat-level rating. “A conscious decision was made to limit the number of different materials both internally and externally,” notes project architect Matt Breen. “This was not only a design decision but also informed by minimising construction complexity and on-site waste.”

Inside, the rich material palette contrasts the modest exterior, exuding warmth and tactility. The silvertop ash timber cladding harmonises with the polished concrete floors to create a serene, cohesive environment. The furniture and art, curated by Nicole Bell, enhance the sense of calm with local, Scandinavian and mid-century modernist pieces, fostering a sense of cocooned comfort. “We wanted the furniture and art to follow the flow defined by the home’s architecture and interior design,” notes Bell. This philosophy is evident in the careful selection of materials such as wool, leather, Danish cord and linen, which create an inviting organic atmosphere. Key pieces include the Maralunga sofa by Cassina, Plico lounge chair by Carl Hansen & Søn, a pair of Adam Goodrum Harbour armchairs and a custom coffee table featuring tiles from Artedomus.

The deliberate use of frameless, glazed panels accentuates the asymmetrical roof forms, creating a seamless link with the surrounding landscape.

“The collection dovetails into the building’s immersive design, aiming to amplify, not overwhelm,” explains Bell. The selection of Australian art, ranging from photography to ceramics, adds layers of personal significance and visual interest to the home. “In its own way, each work is deeply connected to the client’s experience of the site and its surrounds through colour, texture and theme, from the memorialised Thylacines gazing out across Bass Strait in Joseph McGlennon’s work to the mix of rich and muted coloured objects and figures that break and layer over one another like people and place converging in Charlotte Swiden’s painting.”

A walled, north-facing courtyard with a striking chimney provides a sheltered outdoor space, while the main living area opens to panoramic views. The deliberate use of frameless, glazed panels accentuates the asymmetrical roof forms, creating a seamless link with the surrounding landscape. “The house sits gently on the site, with floor levels stepping down to reflect the natural topography, thereby minimising on-site excavation,” explains Breen. The integrated, sheltered porch offers protection from the rain, enhancing Fishharven’s functionality.

By limiting the number of different materials and focusing on robust, sustainable choices, the design minimises construction complexity.

Neil Architecture’s philosophy for Fishharven is one of restraint and integration. By limiting the number of different materials and focusing on robust, sustainable choices, the design minimises construction complexity. “The site is both steep and relatively remote, so getting cranes up there was going to be challenging,” explains Breen. The structural strategy prioritised timber over steel, reflecting these logistical challenges and the site’s topography, “a mix of rolling pastoral hills and pockets of bushland”.

Environmental considerations were key in the creation of Fishharven. The home incorporates a fully electric system – “with electric heat pumps used for hot water and to heat the zoned hydronic slab heating,” says Breen – ensuring exceptional energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Sustainable practices include capturing and storing all roof water run-off and treating waste with a septic system. These features align with the clients’ desire for a low-maintenance, eco-friendly retreat.

The furniture and art, curated by Nicole Bell, enhance the sense of calm with local, Scandinavian and mid-century modernist pieces, fostering a sense of cocooned comfort.

Fishharven is a masterful exploration of place and design, offering its occupants a profound connection to the natural world. By prioritising views, natural light and material integrity, the home embraces the utilitarian aesthetic of rural structures while integrating seamlessly with the dramatic Australian landscape of the South Gippsland region. Its design creates a true sanctuary amid nature. “Fishharven is the exploration of different architectural ideas,” reflects Neil. “The design prioritises its connection to place and the surrounding environment.”

Architecture and interior design by Neil Architecture. Build by Kane Worthy Constructions. Landscape design by Acre. Joinery by South Coast Kitchens.