Architect Designs a Modern House in a Hidden Forest (House Tour)

In a nuanced response to landscape, Winter Creek is a modern house in a hidden forest – a seamless reflection of the expansive farm in which the home resides. SOS Architects draws on modernist design principles combined with subdued interiors by Studio Tom to create a dwelling that is clean, modern and considered so that it doesn't compete with the site but, instead, harmonises with it. Located in Trentham, Victoria, Winter Creek is a single-storey, contemporary home that nestles into the site. SOS Architects deeply considered the placement of the house to ensure it both complemented and responded to the site.

The architectural approach used for the modern house in a hidden forest was grounded in a contemporary, sleek design. The form of Winter Creek consists of two distinct volumes – a floating roof that connects to the landscape, which encompasses the main living zones, and the ‘flat box’ section that is more private and introspective, housing the bedrooms and bathrooms. A key feature of the design is also the transparency of the dwelling. At many intersections, one can see through the house, further connecting the home to the landscape.

The interior design approach was very much an extension of the architectural design, with Studio Tom collaborating with SOS Architects to create a modern house in a hidden forest that feels seamless and cohesive. The palette is subdued, dominated by charcoal, neutral and grey tones, and furnishings are minimalist and refined. These choices mean the interior continues the theme of blending into the misty, grey, wintery scenes typical of the landscape beyond.

Continuing the seamless aesthetic that defines this modern house in a hidden forest, the AbsoluteMatte range from Laminex was used throughout the interior. The versatile nature of the product allowed it to be used for the joinery, wall panelling and door skins. The mood created by the matte finish becomes palpable as the light bounces off its surface. This sense of harmony offers a poetic response to the home’s natural surrounds.

An inspiring collaboration, SOS Architects and Studio Tom bring the clients’ vision to life with an attention to detail and harmony that becomes tangible as you walk through the modern house in a hidden forest. By creating a home that co-exists with the surrounds, there is an awe-inspiring and calm feeling that immediately envelops those who enter.

00:00 - Introduction to the Modern House
00:52 - The Location of the Home
01:11 - The Design Approach
01:44 - Rewarding Aspects of the Design
02:00 - History of the Land
02:25 - Format of the Home
02:45 - A Clean and Modern Design
03:28 - Creating A Mood with Materials
03:50 - The Laminex Process
04:08 - Favourite Aspects

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Photography by Nicole England.
Architecture by SOS Architects.
Interior Design by Studio Tom.
Build and Landscape by Builtspaces.
Styling by Natalie James.
Structural Engineering by FMG Engineering.
Geotechnical Engineering by Strata Geoscience and Environmental.
Joinery by Evolve.
Door Hardware by Halliday + Baillie.
Surfaces by Laminex.
Filmed and Edited by Ryan Wehi.
Production by The Local Project.

Location: Trentham, Victoria, Australia

The Local Project acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of the land in Australia. We recognise the importance of First Nations peoples in the identity of our country and continuing connections to Country and community. We pay our respect to Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people of these lands.

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