A Fitting Outpost – Mt Mellum House by Sparks Architects

Outward reaching, Mt Mellum House sits perched above an expansive landscape below, removed and yet opportunistically observing the surrounds. Sparks Architecture draw on the context with which the form is immersed, and carefully position its anchored home as a sensitive and time-wearing insertion.

It’s not often the opportunity to propose a residence in such an unspoiled and removed location presents itself, one especially that allows for an observation type positioning. Mt Mellum House is that opportunity. Sitting on the same named peak amongst the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast, outward facing views of the nearby Glass House Mountains act as a reminder of place, and of the fortunate position from which to observe the changing landscape. Conceived as an l-shape in formation, the home opens to a protected grassed courtyard and pool, deliberately protected from the elements. The connection between the architecture and landscape is reinforced through the subdued cladding of dark stained timber to reduce its visual impact, while its low profile ensures the form hugs the site tightly, allowing Sparks Architecture to respond to the many sensitivities at play.

The connection between the architecture and landscape is reinforced through the subdued cladding of dark stained timber to reduce its visual impact, while its low profile ensures the form hugs the site tightly.

Built by Pat O’Brien Builders, the form is an assembly of two pavilions across the site, meeting as it cranks around the protected courtyard space. The softly grassed private courtyard echoes the natural occurring flora the home is immersed within while also having a familiar urban residential feel, acting as its own green blanket for its occupants to lay upon. The l-shape pool structure then finishes the border to the outdoor room, completing a cubed imprint on site. Its wet edges ensure a visual continuity beyond and into the distance, while also offering a cooling body of water amongst the warm climatic conditions.

The openness and extensive use of glazing is strategic in its positioning, both framing views and providing a fully open feel where necessary to both engage with the environment, encourage natural ventilation and solar gain, and also to watch the changing state of the landscape across the seasons. While the courtyard is its own room to occupy, it plays a vital role in deterring winds and visually connecting the interior experience of the home. In its secluded-ness, the home feels removed from suburbia, and yet through a highly refined and detailed approach, a contemporary comfort is felt.

In its secluded-ness, the home feels removed from suburbia, and yet through a highly refined and detailed approach, a contemporary comfort is felt.

Sitting high, Mt Mellum House allows an uninterrupted observation of the surrounds. Sparks Architecture have crafted a uniquely responsive home that listens to the landscape intuitively and emerges as its own restrained answer.