honeyman & smith designs shift home in harkaway, victoria

located in the rolling hills of harkaway, a short distance from the sprawl of melbourne, is ‘shift’ a residential expansion and renovation.

completed by architects honeyman & smith, the updated design responds to pre-existing conditions and conflicts, though always maintains a connection to the past. the principle change, is the instilling of a closer connection to the natural landscape by maximizing views both across and through the site.

the home is split into two separate structures, and connected by a central stair and linear ramp. both forms are thin and long in an effort to encourage interaction with surrounding paddocks, and also to allow isolation of areas that are only used seasonally. the dwelling is characterized by a aesthetically heavy back wall, which contrasts nicely with the un-intrusive materiality that makes up a majority of the construction.

the entrance splits the pre-existing — lower building — from the created. separation of the two allowed the designers to create a natural inner courtyard. this section of the home acts as a cooling/shading mechanism during the summers, and brings scenery into the heart of the estate. as part of renovations, the original home was re-done with fresh brickwork. materials were sourced locally, and compliment the warm rural glow of the area, its red clay soil, and cattle that wander the immediate landscape.

 

forms gradually emerge from the landscape

 

ramp and transition spaces ease inhabitants into surrounding grassy paddocks

 

a visually-dense back wall stands strong at the back, setting the tone and organization for the design

 

ghostly trunks of eucalyptus trees frame the concrete columns

 

plentiful glass and thin shapes establish a firm connection to the landscape