Village House by Powell & Glenn

Powell & Glenn skilfully create a warm and personally expressive interior within Village House, capitalising on its numerous vantage points overlooking the coast and its surroundings.

Village House embodies a dual identity, being both coastal and rural, therefore offering the ultimate retreat and sanctuary for its occupants. Located in Jan Juc, with sweeping vistas overlooking Bells Beach, the residence is nestled within a lush and well-established landscape, enhancing the feeling of seclusion. In stark contrast to the wild and untouched surroundings, the design comes together through precast concrete panels, delineating the outline of the dwelling. This enduring feature not only protects the home but also creates an ideal refuge amid the natural setting, where Powell & Glenn infuses refinement and simplicity throughout.

Village House embodies a dual identity, being both coastal and rural, therefore offering the ultimate retreat and sanctuary for its occupants.

Spanning a total of five acres, the home needed a central focal point from which all other functions could stem from. Describing the site, Ed Glenn, co-founding principal of Powell & Glenn, says, “there were many conflicting elements of scale and tension – meaning we needed to gradate [the form] into the landscape and address every vantage point, with no discernible ‘front’ and ‘back’ defined.” Comprising three pavilions, the residence harmonises with the windswept surroundings, capable of enduring the harsh coastal weather. To counterbalance the clean lines of the concrete, rich natural materials are intricately layered internally, fostering a connection throughout.

An important aspect of the home’s underlying principles was the ability to engage with, observe and interact with nature, facilitated by openings and sightlines that promote a connection to the surroundings. The concept of creating interconnected yet distinct spaces and structures inspired the arrangement of forms, resembling a village, as reflected in its namesake. Throughout the property, “pergolas, columns, walls and a shed all retreat from the built elements and give way to vegetable and fruit trees – these elements all graft the home to the site,” explains Ed. The harmony of both vibrant and dynamic elements is calmed by a sense of restraint in other areas, creating a captivating tension that enhances the dwelling’s responsiveness to the surroundings.

Comprising three pavilions, the residence harmonises with the windswept surroundings, capable of enduring the harsh coastal weather.

Village House beautifully offers the owner moments of reflection. By embracing the natural contours of the landscape and responding to them rather than imposing a predetermined form, Powell & Glenn adheres to the natural flow already in place, enriching it and encouraging dialogue between the architecture and the location.

Architecture and interior design by Powell & Glenn. Build by BJ Building. Styling by Heather Nette King and Arabella Ramsay. Landscape by Phillip Withers.