Sculpted Anchoring – Merricks Farmhouse by Michael Lumby Architecture with Nielsen Jenkins

Stirring curiosity from the outset, Merricks Farmhouse comes together as a series of quiet and retreat-like moments, intimately woven together amongst the larger rural setting. Michael Lumby Architecture and Nielsen Jenkins propose a contrasting and sculptural response to the open and naturally soft surrounds, framing and guiding movement around the site.

Set amid a sprawling 50 acres, Merricks Farmhouse is notionally an offering of contrast and elevates the idea of refuge and shelter to an entirely different level. The tranquil, still location called for an equally still residence. Through a contemporary and restrained lens, the thickened walls and exaggerated architectural massing sit with purpose across the site, both protecting from the elements and creating a central place to convene. A series of open spaces are inserted amongst the enclosed and provide openings and visual access to natural light and ventilation to ensure the interior is naturally cooled and illuminated, as needed. Michael Lumby Architecture and Nielsen Jenkins collaborate the deliver the remote home with a precision that is more in line with an inner urban offering.

The integration of landscape that is naturally occurring and softening ensures the more monolithic elements of the home have a landing of sorts, encouraging their coexistence.

The centrally located courtyard becomes the heart of the home, with all spaces that surround it connected as a result. The integration of landscape that is naturally occurring and softening ensures the more monolithic elements of the home have a landing of sorts, encouraging their coexistence. With deep reveals and the external skin set inward, clean-lined shelter circulates the home, creating a transition space between inside and out that acknowledges the sometimes harshness of the climate and protects the outer skin, while views stretch outward Western Port Bay and Philip Island.

The robust vertical surfaces, together with the protective eaves and the enveloping dark ceiling, are given a lightening and warmth through the integration of timber, used sparingly. As a result, the more familiar elements of farm life and of a residence are layered amid a bespoke culmination of living openly and connected to the landscape. With the need to accommodate visiting guests, the planning allows for expansion and contraction, and through the richness of the materials and the heightening of the detailing found in the joinery and tactile touchpoints, the home feels intimate yet generous.

Through the richness of the materials and the heightening of the detailing found in the joinery and tactile touchpoints, the home feels intimate yet generous.

Although surrounded by dense greenery, Merricks Farmhouse also connects out toward the coast. Through their collaboration, Michael Lumby Architecture and Nielsen Jenkins ensure the resulting home sits comfortably and engages meaningfully yet avoids overwhelming the surrounds.