NEPEAN HOUSE — March Studio

NEPEAN HOUSE

2025

Reminiscent of the low-slung concrete bunkers found throughout Fort Nepean National Park, Nepean House was built for the long haul. Much like those permanent forms nestled among the Moonah trees, this home is designed to sit quietly against the horizon and endure. After decades of holidaying on the coast, the owners sought a residence that felt solid and intentional—a quiet sanctuary of off-form concrete tucked away on a private, off-street site.

The interior is anchored by a generous, open floor plan defined by a series of substantial concrete beams. These elements do more than just provide structural logic; they establish a consistent rhythm throughout the home, filtering natural light and subtly zoning the house into distinct areas.

By orienting the main living spaces to the north, the house opens entirely to Port Phillip Bay. Large-scale Vitrocsa windows act as frames for the local Moonah trees and the water beyond. This connection to the environment is most evident in the work undertaken on the front façade: a horizontal concrete "shelf" was engineered to shield the interior from the harsh summer sun while inviting the low winter light deep into the home. Above this, a curved soffit runs the length of the façade, supporting a deep garden bed of endemic planting. Over time, these plants will cascade over the edge, softening the concrete and embedding the architecture into the landscape.

The plan is designed to breathe, carefully responding to prevailing winds and cross ventilation. Custom timber louvres harness these natural air flows, allowing the house to cool rapidly when required. While the northern edge is open and social, the southern side accommodates more private spaces for retreat and quiet. This balance of energy extends across the entire site. The main house is grounded and solid, embedded in the landscape, while the pool house operates as its lightweight counterpart. Constructed from black-stained timber, it sits as a floating pavilion, a relaxed setting for guests and late-night gatherings.

While the materials, concrete and spotted gum, are honest and robust, the project is truly defined by its interior craftsmanship. We moved away from off-the-shelf solutions, choosing to work with local makers. We collaborated closely with Fred Ganim on custom furniture, including the dining, coffee, and bedside tables, ensuring each piece felt like an extension of the architecture. Similarly, the tactile elements you interact with daily, the door handles and light fittings, were entrusted to Charlie Sandford, who fabricated a bespoke collection specifically for this project.

Nepean House is more than a dwelling; it is the considered activation of a remarkable and enduring site. Not a museum piece, it is a functional, lived-in environment designed to be used, loved, and to mature gracefully for generations to come.