Simple linear shapes, expansive glass facades and a unique material palette of timber, rammed earth and pale concrete floors come to define the latest project from Australian firm Robson Rak Architects; the Layer House.

Located in Coastal Victoria, the contemporary family home sits on a largely sloping site that is made of layers of limestone shelves and underground caves.

 

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The client’s brief was to create a large family home that can accommodate a variety of guests at one time, as well as being high-quality, unique and robust in its design.

The house was subsequently designed as a series of ‘layers’ with individual intersecting zones and private vistas. As the house is nestled among tea trees, it has no sweeping panoramic views so Robson Rak created a range of courtyards and smaller spaces that allowed a sense of looking past the building.

 

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Most importantly of all, the house is contextually sensitive to its surroundings and is built with local building materials and techniques. The two main materials used - rammed earth and timber - are sustainable, honest and efficient to age gracefully over time.

Photography by Shannon McGrath

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