Where Haptics and Hues Converge – Martha Beach House by The Stella Collective

Conceived as a place of calm along Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Martha Beach House is a study of haptics and hues. The home’s coastal locale paired with the client’s brief for a feeling of ‘loose luxury’ heavily influenced the prevailing restful identity. Designed by The Stella Collective, Martha Beach House is a home of elevated details and hardworking, tactile materials that bring an air of ease and tranquillity to the experience within its walls.

Located on a sloping site with views of Port Phillip Bay to the south-west, Martha Beach House features generous proportions and a cohesive approach to materiality throughout. The master suite and main living areas are located on the ground floor and flow onto an elevated deck at the back. Downstairs, there are three guest bedrooms and an additional living area. Due to the sloping site, the northern elevation of the lower ground floor is burrowed into the earth, whilst the southern elevation opens onto a backyard and pool.

The Breccia Oniciata stone on the kitchen benchtops features a gentle grain that complements the sandy-coloured floors and walls, and subtle art deco motifs add character to the otherwise linear design.

Upon crossing the threshold, the kitchen, living and dining areas unfurl to the right, taking advantage of the ocean views, whilst the master suite is tucked to the left, separated from the shared spaces by a stairwell leading to the lower ground floor. The harmonious approach to materiality is immediately evident; locally sourced materials, masonry and soft fabrics make way for an interiority that champions texture and neutrality in equal measure. Castlemaine slate laid in a Palladiana-style pattern is consistent throughout the main living spaces, as is the plaster finish on the walls. As The Stella Collective Director Hana Hakim says, “we didn’t want to go overboard with too many finishes because although the slate and plaster are quite neutral, they are strong in their tactility.” The Breccia Oniciata stone on the kitchen benchtops features a gentle grain that complements the sandy-coloured floors and walls, and subtle art deco motifs add character to the otherwise linear design.

The master suite epitomises the project’s ‘loose luxury’ aesthetic. Layers of neutral tones and soft fabrics converge, resulting in a welcoming yet effortless environment. Plantation shutters and woven rattan ceiling fans hint at a tropical, resort-style influence, offset nicely by brass lighting fixtures and sophisticated textiles. The Castlemaine stone flooring appears again in the ensuite where a double shower and an abundance of natural light enhance the feeling of grandeur without overwhelming the laid-back feel.

Layers of neutral tones and soft fabrics converge, resulting in a welcoming yet effortless environment.

One of the many strengths of Martha Beach House is its ability to cater to life across the seasons. During the warmer months, it is open and breezy with an overt connection to the outdoors whereas in winter, the feeling within is encasing and warm. “We took great care in designing for the changing seasons,” Hana says. “It’s obviously such an unbelievable place to be in summer but also in winter as it feels incredibly cosy. There’s underfloor heating, the fireplace is just spectacular and it’s really cocooning in that winter chill.”

The Stella Collective has succeeded in balancing contemporary minimalism with warm homeliness and as a result, Martha Beach House is a delightfully enveloping space. With opportunities to engage with the outdoors or retreat within, it promises to act as a coastal refuge for residents and guests alike.