the beautiful allwood Pirates Bay house

Stephen O’Connor and Annick Houle, partners at O’Connor and Houle Architecture, are responsible for designing this stunning residence on the Mornington Peninsula in Melbourne, Australia. The Pirates Bay House is an L-shaped, one-storey, 200 square-meter home for the two architects themselves and their twins. Because this is an assignment they can fully control, the partners were able to indulge in all of their favorite features, They value slow life and harmony with nature. They also emphasize the various ways in which the residents interact with their living environment – the play of light on the walls and through windows and doorways, the feel of materials and textures, the breezes and airflow throughout the building, and of course, the views and vistas at different times of the day and during different seasons. [1]

The project was an exciting opportunity for the architectural duo to test these ideas out and to cater for great craftsmanship, often not possible within the context of a typical project. An embrace of the japanese utilitarian aesthetic also, whereby the space need not be too large, and not be distracted by frivolous design elements. Horizontal timber lining boards speak of warmth, craftsmanship, nature and the horizon beyond. Lastly, to achieve an architectural result that is delightful, uplifting, robust and functional, but is also one that transcends the momentary fashions for particular forms and appearances, so that it will be equally as inspiring a long time from now. [2] A concise floor plan is available here.

[1] Ref. http://www.thecoolhunter.net/article/detail/2123/pirates-bay-house--blairgowrie-melbourne

[2] Ref. http://www.archdaily.com/250124/pirates-bay-house-oconnor-and-houle-architecture/