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Ideas for Home

Peninsula House / Wood Marsh / Australia

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Modern black and white house with curved architecture and large glass windows among natural landscape with tall grass and trees

Sculptural Coastal Retreat

Rising gradually from the rugged coastal ridge of Flinders, Peninsula House by Wood Marsh Architecture presents a bold sculptural refuge that blurs the boundary between architecture and landscape. Defined by its monolithic walls of compressed earth, the house looks like a geological formation—carved by wind, light and time, strengthening in place with a sense of solidity and calm.

The dwelling serves as both sanctuary and stage for panoramic coastal views. Its curved walls guide movement, protect from the wind and open secretly to the horizon, creating a continuous flow of space between interior rooms and nature.

Peninsula House by Wood Marsh in Australia — coastal refuge made of compressed earth, integrated into the local landscapePhoto © Timothy Kay
Sinuous wall of compressed earth forming a bold sculptural profile against the horizonPhoto © Timothy Kay

Concept and Spatial Organization

The architectural concept is based on flow and enclosure. One curved wall encircles the plan, safeguarding zones of leisure, sleep and gathering in one continuous motion. The wall rises to form a majestic vault above the main living space, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and monumental.

The layout develops around a central green atrium, which acts as a light well and visual anchor. From here, corridors branch into three wings — living and dining areas, private bedrooms and guest room — each oriented to capture light, views and shelter.

Large openings on the north side connect directly with a covered terrace, extending outdoor life and framing expansive coastal vistas.

Curved architecture with large windows integrated into the natural coastal vegetationPhoto © Timothy Kay
Vaulted living area formed by the curved wall of compressed earthPhoto © Timothy Kay
Covered terrace and northern openings blending indoor and outdoor lifePhoto © Timothy Kay

Material Palette and Interior Expression

Peninsula House is founded on natural materiality and precise craftsmanship.
The walls of compressed earth form the structural and aesthetic backbone of the house, their rich ochre tones reflecting the soil of the Mornington Peninsula. The material provides excellent thermal mass and a stable textural depth that changes under light.

Externally, fired timber complements the earth tones, helping the building blend into the landscape. Inside a limited palette of wood, terrazzo and brass reinforces the sense of continuity and warmth. The smooth curvature of ceilings and black accents give spaces a cinematic quality, balancing ruggedness with sophistication.

Texture of compressed earth combined with fired timberPhoto © Timothy Kay
Minimalist living room with soft curves, wooden and stone finishesPhoto © Timothy Kay
Dining room oriented toward the landscape, with a curved ceilingPhoto © Timothy Kay

Light, Shadow and Spatial Drama

Light is considered a material — shaping and sculpting space throughout the day. The house is oriented to frame the constantly changing sky of coastal regions. A continuous light well along the ridge filters soft daylight inside, animating textured walls and highlighting their tactile depth.

At dusk the compressed earth glows with warm tones, while deep shadows reveal the curve of structure, transforming the house into a luminous sculpture within the landscape.

Light well on ridge illuminating the wall of compressed earth with daylightPhoto © Timothy Kay
Evening glow accentuating curves and deep shadowsPhoto © Timothy Kay
Long corridor with gradients of light on textured wallsPhoto © Timothy Kay

Ecological Response and Efficiency

Though visually striking, the house deeply responds to coastal climate. Heavy earth walls provide thermal insulation and acoustic stability, while low profile and deep overhangs protect from strong winds and direct sunlight. Passive ventilation and minimal glazing on the south side further reduce energy consumption.

Building upon mass, orientation and shading, Peninsula House achieves comfort naturally, combining ecological efficiency with architectural poetry.

Deep overhangs and low profile offering shelter from coastal conditionsPhoto © Timothy Kay
Courtyard and green atrium allowing light to enterPhoto © Timothy Kay
Northern terrace expanding indoor-outdoor lifePhoto © Timothy Kay

Monument of Quiet Strength

Peninsula House / Wood Marsh / Australia embodies the practice's mastery in sculptural minimalism and sensitivity to place. Every curve, surface and opening is thoughtfully designed — created for resonance with the surrounding land and sea.

This is not just a house looking out at coastal terrain; it grows from it. Through restrained appearance and monumental calm, Wood Marsh has created a timeless refuge — one that celebrates silence, honesty of materials and enduring dialogue between nature and design.

Night view of coastal refuge glowing from withinPhoto © Timothy Kay
Material detail showing layers of compressed earth and precise assemblyPhoto © Timothy Kay
Interior display with curved ceiling and minimalist furniturePhoto © Timothy Kay
Glazing framing extended coastal views from living spacesPhoto © Timothy Kay
Sheltered outdoor room carved under a vaulted formPhoto © Timothy Kay
Living room with large windows and minimalist furniturePhoto © Timothy Kay
Main corridor with soft curves leading to private areasPhoto © Timothy Kay
Bathroom details with stone, brass and soft lightingPhoto © Timothy Kay
Edge of terrace meeting local grass and coastal plantsPhoto © Timothy Kay
Final exterior shot of sculptural coastal housePhoto © Timothy Kay