With a generous building site of close to 900sqm in sought after Moonee Ponds, the owners of this spectacular Melbourne custom home sought out to build their dream home. Having previously purchased a Chris Clout Design home, “Saltwater” on the Sunshine Coast, and loved the Asian influences and resort-style feel, they were keen to engage Chris to design their new Melbourne abode.
From the street the home has a commanding presence, with a striking contemporary facade and architectural detailing that sets it aside from the older, more traditional styled homes that surround it. The owners wanted to create a resort-style home and the design was conceptualised as a contemporary take on a Balinese resort and the Asian influences are clearly evident in the design of the roofline, extensive use of timber and resort-style, timber decked entrance through tropical gardens.
The home has been designed in two large volumes separated by a central pool and luxurious outdoor entertaining area, the two volumes are connected by a long hallway with floor to ceiling glazing that provides a frameless view of the interior courtyard. The pavilion-style design not only reflects the Balinese influences but addresses the sites orientation issue, allowing for the rear living pavilion to take in the northern aspect and abundant natural light.
A double-storey void creates a soaring ceiling in the luxurious open-plan living pavilion that incorporates kitchen, living and dining room, a butler’s pantry and wine cellar. Architectural detailing and bespoke finishes are at every turn, created with an abundance of quality, organic materials including slate and bluestone tiles, oak flooring and thermally treated Cambia and Wenge timber cladding, all highlighted for effect with concealed LED strip lighting.
A timber ‘web’ design features throughout the home as a modern adaption of a nest concept. On the front and rear exterior it serves to add privacy as well as architectural interest.
The client’s desire for a home built for entertaining is showcased in the spectacular outdoor entertaining area, which is central to the entire home. It includes another slate clad wall with gas fireplace, with built in seating, a Teppanyaki bar and an extensive decked area to lounge by the glass edged pool. Of course no entertaining area is complete without the right ambience, and again enhancing the holiday vibe, extensive, concealed LED strip lighting has been added as well as a fully integrated sound and visual system.
An upper floor void and high pitched timber clad ceiling create an exceptional feeling of space in the open-plan living area, whilst an internal window allows the master ensuite to take in the northern light and views of the stunning pool and tropical gardens in the internal courtyard.
Although working with a large and level building site, clever design principles were employed to overcome obstacles relating to the site’s orientation and also the client’s desire to incorporate a basement-level garage which needed careful consideration to ensure the angle of the slope did not damage the luxury cars that would be housed there. The need to work a considerable distance around an enormous, protected Phoenix palm at the front of the home also created site access issues. Despite the difficulties, this spectacular home has been finished with exceptional detail and an abundance of high quality finishes – truly delivering a luxurious resort-style residence.
This spectacular contemporary custom home was featured in our 2018 luxury homes annual – Melbourne Custom Homes.
