A Refined and Subtle Warmth – Merricks House by Michael McManus Architects

Taking residency amongst established vineyards, Merricks House allows its owners to relocate from an urban setting to immerse themselves in both nature and nostalgia. Michael McManus Architects combines a natural and considered approach to create a home of refined detail and subtle moments of warmth.

Originally imagined as a holiday home, changes in circumstances and a unique attachment to the site saw the clients relocate from Melbourne sooner than expected, meaning the house needed to facilitate the everyday conveniences afforded in their more familiar urban milieu. Nestled within the vineyards that have been grown by family over the years in Merricks North, along the Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, the home of the same name fuses a natural and modest aesthetic with elements of refinement. Michael McManus Architects draws from surrounding natural elements and then expresses them through select materiality, while a simple, bold formal approach matches the setting impeccably.

Michael McManus Architects draw from surrounding natural elements and then express them through select materiality, while a simple and bold formal approach matches the setting impeccably.

Built by CVS Constructions, Merricks House is the result of a longstanding connection between both land and family.  Set on 5.5 hectares, the house navigates its sloping site and sits perched at the crest of a hill. The positioning allows for expansive and uninterrupted views outward, surrounded by levelled grass, overlooking vines. The combination of silvertop timber cladding giving a natural and textured feel and Color bond aluminium detailing leads to a sense of balance from approach. Internally, the expressed timber, natural stone and wallpaper then introduce a cocooning warmth, creating a comfortable place from which to watch the surrounding natural elements and changing weather throughout the year.

With a modest budget, simplicity in construction was explored and investigated, both to reduce the build time and to control costs. In imposing the new structure on the site, the emphasis was to exist within and with the pre-existing landscape and natural elements, instead of introducing a new or manicured landscape. Creating direct and meaningful connections to the land became a priority, with the resulting form incorporating openings and glazed elements that curate views and vistas beyond. Key to the experience of the home is its intrinsic connection to the landscape, and the idea of journey has been emphasised through key direct sightlines.

Key to the experience of the home is its intrinsic connection to the landscape, and the idea of journey has been emphasised through direct key sightlines.

Merricks House utilises a play on scale and simplicity to create a cohesive and calming addition to the landscape. Michael McManus Architects approaches the site with a linear sensibility and, in turn, facilitates an extension of a clients’ connection to a unique site through embracing its many and dynamic elements.