Discreetly Removed – Shadow Cottage Daylesford by MRTN Architects

Conceived as a shadow of the retained Victorian-era cottage on the site, the aptly named Shadow Cottage Daylesford sees a new addition sit discreetly behind its older counterpart. Through an analysis of the existing structure and the client’s connection to the location, MRTN Architects proposes a carefully considered new entity that is steeped in its inhabitants’ connection to place.

Sitting in the foothills of the nearby Great Dividing Range in Daylesford, the site retains a close connection and sense of nostalgia for its owners. Having occupied the existing structure as their holiday occasional home for some 20 years, the opportunity to reimagine a unique connection to the landscape presented itself and opened a dialogue with MRTN Architects. Assessing the existing conditions and the arrangement on site, the team collectively agreed to retain the existing Victorian-era cottage in place and replace the remaining other structures with a consolidated place to gather, envisioned to capture a future conversation with the site. The resolve sits as a shadow to the original cottage, sitting subdued and respectful, secondary to the enviable landscape

 The formal response to context takes inspiration from the early morning long shadow of the cottage on site, projecting the resulting building upward and engaging with the natural elements.

Built by Hardwick Build Co, Shadow Cottage Daylesford overlooks the famed Daylesford Lake and aims to immerse itself in place. The formal response to context takes inspiration from the early morning long shadow of the cottage on site, projecting the resulting building upward and engaging with the natural elements. Deliberately, living areas open to the north and large expansive overhangs allow the interior lived condition to spill out onto the surrounding wooden decks. The existing cottage was restored and amended to ensure it complied with bushfire regulations, ensuring its resilience and continued future.

Intentionally burrowed within the landscape, the home is clad in darkened timber. This allows the surrounding foliage to feel prominent, almost disguising the structure. Large eucalypt trees become a focus and opening reinforce that connection. As an expression of respect for the home’s siting, the building opens up to engage with the natural. Curated openings see glass doors and windows frame views out, as a reminder of a sense of place and a connection to the site, while protected within. Internally, expanses of warm timber sheets line the internal walls and ceiling surfaces, creating an encasing sense of warmth, while also offering a glowing contrast to the darkened volume.

Internally, expanses of warm timber sheets line the internal walls and ceiling surfaces, creating an encasing sense of warmth, while also offering a glowing contrast to the darkened volume.

Shadow Cottage Daylesford sits warm and embedded in place, while connected and considered in its engagement with the removed site. MRTN Architects ensures a continuation of the narrative that connects the home’s inhabitants to the site.