Considered Modesty – Little More House by MEGArchitects, Kim Kneipp and Sawsee
Embracing its coastal surrounds, Little More House elevates the traditional typology near the ocean by integrating considered detailing with a robustness fit for family life. MEGArchitects, in collaboration with Kim Kneipp and Sawsee, craft a home that celebrates sustainable living.
The aim of Little More House was to seamlessly blend a resort style of living with the familiarity and warmth of intimate family living. Sitting atop four segmented zones, the pitched roof forms feel rudimentary on the site, clad in raw timber panelling and inviting the coastal elements to weather and naturally grey their surfaces. Each of the four zones serve different purposes, with an interconnected indoor-outdoor backbone and a grounding in nature linking them. Celebrating a sense of place is evidenced in the openness created internally and between inside and out as well as in the scale of the residence. MEGArchitects, Kim Kneipp and Sawsee wanted to create areas to come together, entertain and bond while also allowing for moments of retreat.
In maintaining a modest footprint, the home allows the occupants to live more intentionally. Fostering connections sits at the core of family life for the owners and they wanted the physical manifestation of those values to come to life. The exterior hints at simplicity, which is echoed in the structural representation on site and the minimalist interior design. A close attention to detail heightens the interaction with the architecture, with considered elements reminding residents of the home’s history.
A seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces further enhances the intended sense of openness. Drawing inspiration from the location, the materiality reflects that of the Mornington Peninsula. Surrounded by other weatherboard homes and those originally built using materials from shipwrecked boats found on the shore, the architectural language of the dwelling is similar yet more refined. The contemporary interpretation folds in sustainable and passive energy principles, with an environmental conscience underpinning the home. From the green roof to the energy-efficient lighting, every aspect of the design was thoughtfully considered to achieve an eco-friendly outcome.
Fostering connections sits at the core of family life for the owners and they wanted the physical manifestation of those values to come to life.
Little More House stands as testament to a shared collaborative vision and purpose. MEGArchitects, Kim Kniepp and Sawsee embrace a respect for the surrounding context both visually and functionally, responding instead of imposing.
