Mount Martha House: A Contemporary Coastal Retreat by Victoria Merrett Architects

Introduction

Situated on the scenic Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia, Mount Martha House by Victoria Merrett Architects presents a masterclass in contemporary coastal living. This single-level residence merges the easygoing character of its beachside context with sophisticated, environmentally-responsible design thinking. Through a strong relationship to site, material sensitivity, and spatial clarity, the project reinterprets traditional Australian coastal architecture for the modern age.

Historical and Regional Context

The architectural character of the Mornington Peninsula has long been shaped by Australia’s beach shack vernacular: lightweight timber construction, passive climatic responses, and a free flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. These homes were often modest, informal, and integrated with the landscape. Victoria Merrett Architects build upon these precedents but add refinement, environmental efficiency, and spatial flexibility—key hallmarks of contemporary residential architecture.

Architectural Design Principles

Site Response and Layout

Central to the design is the site’s existing mature pin oak tree, which becomes the spatial and ecological anchor. The house’s L-shaped footprint gracefully extends around this tree, forming a private courtyard that includes a timber deck and an in-ground pool. This orientation achieves multiple objectives: it maximizes sunlight penetration, shelters outdoor areas from prevailing coastal winds, and enhances internal privacy by buffering the home from neighboring properties.

Spatial Organization

The plan clearly delineates private and communal spaces. Bedrooms and quiet retreats sit within one wing, while living, dining, and kitchen zones open up toward the courtyard, seamlessly connecting to the deck and pool. This zoning supports a dynamic family lifestyle—balancing social gathering areas with secluded spaces for rest and reflection.

The main communal areas adopt open-plan layouts, a hallmark of Australian residential design. Large operable glazing reveals views to the courtyard and landscape, enhancing the spatial depth and natural ventilation.

Materiality and Detailing

Timber forms the material backbone of the project, both visually and structurally. Its tactile, warm qualities evoke regional tradition, but are handled here with a refined, minimalistic approach. The external façade uses timber cladding that aligns beautifully with the coastal setting, while the interior palette maintains restraint—natural hardwood flooring, whitewashed walls, and bespoke joinery heighten the sense of calm and elegance.

Sustainability and Craft

This home exemplifies sustainability without aesthetic compromise. Utilizing passive solar design, the house is carefully oriented to capture winter sun and minimize overheating during summer. Shading elements, high-performance insulation, and cross-ventilation contribute to a thermally stable indoor environment year-round.

The selection of sustainably sourced timber elevates its environmental credentials, while the design’s inherent simplicity ensures low lifecycle costs and enduring visual appeal—a core philosophy of Victoria Merrett’s practice.

Technical Specifications

• Floor Area: 200+ square meters
• Construction System: Timber frame with high-durability envelope
• Features:
  • Private L-shaped courtyard enveloping an existing pin oak tree
  • In-ground pool with timber deck
  • Large operable glazing to promote cross-ventilation
  • High-performance insulation and passive solar orientation
• Finishes: Natural hardwoods, minimal joinery, weather-resistant external cladding

Comparative Analysis: Coastal Architectural Approaches

Innovative and Notable Design Features

Integration of Existing Landscape

The architectural dialogue between the home and the old pin oak is one of the project’s most poetic gestures, reaffirming the value of site preservation and ecological integration. The tree does not simply coexist with the building—it informs the layout, anchors the courtyard, and offers seasonal shading and spatial layering.

Private Outdoor Living

By forming an inward-facing courtyard, the home retreats from the public domain while still embracing openness. The in-ground pool and deck area provide a usable microclimate and social hub, protected from winds and prying eyes.

Cost-Conscious Sustainability

Victoria Merrett Architects demonstrate that sustainable design need not be cost-prohibitive. Through careful siting, thoughtful insulation, and durable materials, the home reduces energy consumption and emphasizes long-term value without luxury excess. This balance makes the project a compelling model for other cost- and climate-sensitive developments.

Takeaways for Architects, Builders, and Homeowners

Mount Martha House provides a clear roadmap for designing coastal residences that are both architecturally sophisticated and environmentally grounded. Whether you’re an architect planning a new coastal home or a homeowner looking to renovate with sustainability in mind, this project offers several replicable strategies:

• Design with Site in Mind: Respect and incorporate existing landscape features rather than removing them. Mature trees, slope contours, and aspect orientation can all guide form development.
• Use Local and Natural Materials: Timber, in particular, offers a versatile material palette that ages gracefully and complements coastal environments.
• Optimize for Passive Climate Response: Orient living spaces for natural light, employ shading devices, and enable natural ventilation patterns through layout and glazing.
• Separate Zones for Flexibility: Use L-shaped or T-shaped layouts to define retreat and activity spaces clearly—ideal for intergenerational or multi-functional living arrangements.
• Embrace Modesty and Durability: Sustainability is not just about technology—it’s about using durable, local materials in simple ways that reduce long-term maintenance and energy costs.

Conclusion

Mount Martha House makes a timely statement about the future of coastal living. As climate resilience, relaxed lifestyle, and refined aesthetics become equal priorities, this home demonstrates how thoughtful design can mediate between tradition and innovation. With its respectful site strategy, timeless material choices, and human-centered design, the project is not only a haven for its inhabitants—but a template for architects reconsidering the coastal home globally.

“We designed an L-shaped, single-level home that wraps around an established pin oak tree, creating a private outdoor area with a deck and pool.” – Victoria Merrett Architects