Project: Waratah Bay House
Architects: Hayne Wadley Architecture
Location: Waratah Bay, Victoria, Australia
Area: 2,260 sq ft
Photographs by: Rhiannon Slatter
Waratah Bay House by Hayne Wadley Architecture
The Waratah Bay House is a modern replacement for a 1980s home located high above the Waratah Bay. It was designed by Hayne Wadley Architecture to blend in with the beautiful landscape that surrounds it and to make the most out of the breathtaking views that the location has access to.
The silhouette of this residence is long but low so as to not break the skyline of the landscape. It’s designed with a modernist box style in mind. It is quite enclosed from the rear side which only postpones the dramatic view until you enter.
Located high above the township of Waratah Bay this house replaces a 1980s project home.
The long low silhouette of the northern elevation greets visitors after the drive up from Waratah Avenue. A take on the modernist box with a strong roof line, highlight windows and relatively solid facade this elevation deliberately shields you from the dramatic view, leaving the reveal until you enter. In its wall of glazed bricks two tones have been used and a pattern created. An interpretation of M.C. Escher’s ‘Metamorphosis III’ triangles move from west to east beginning to transform as they reach the end. As you follow the building around the east and south these triangles transform into birds, flying up towards the living/dining. A metaphor for escape that is in keeping with the home’s purpose as a weekender.
In contrast to this the living/dining pavilion is clad in black Silvertop Ash and sweeps up to the south, both leading you towards the view and creating a volume to match the grandness of the outlook. Viewed from the south it creates a house in two halves, living vs sleeping.
Deliberately dark, to hide amongst the vegetation, this is a place to escape.
–Hayne Wadley Architecture
