Residential House J&C by Open Studio Pty Ltd in Somers, Melbourne

Project: Residential House J&C
Architects: Open Studio Pty Ltd
Location: Somers, Melbourne, Australia
Area: 1829 sq ft
Photos: Provided by Open Studio Pty Ltd

Residential House J&C by Open Studio Pty Ltd

The Residential House J&C by Open Studio Pty Ltd is semi-permanent housing for a couple, their dog, and occasional guests in Somers, Australia, located almost on the shore with a panoramic view of Western Port. Most of the site remains untouched, preserving an uninterrupted and informal landscape from the street to the creek's edge.

The house is positioned on the highest point of the site, maximizing the stunning views. The architectural form consists of a series of glass boxes that expand to create sheltered balconies and terraces, fully glazed toward the sea view or filtered light through trees. The house features custom-made windows with solid wooden frames.

The clients' brief was clear and simple: semi-permanent housing—not just a weekend retreat, but a place for a couple, their dog, and rare guests. The site is in Somers and nearly on the shore with a panoramic view of Western Port. Somers is a small coastal town founded in the 1920s, stretching from Kularta Flats to the Military Base in Serpentine on the Mornington Peninsula. Despite being only one hour from Melbourne, the area remains relatively quiet and peaceful, characterized by elevated modern fibro houses, unenclosed gardens, and native landscapes.

Initial concepts exploring a single-level building were quickly dismissed in favor of a two-level structure to achieve modest scale and minimize impact on vegetation and topography. Most of the site remains untouched, preserving an uninterrupted and informal landscape from the street to the creek's edge. The approach to the house is unobtrusive and implicit. Positioned on the highest point of the site, it maximizes the breathtaking views.

The architectural form features a series of glass boxes that expand to create sheltered balconies and terraces. Fully glazed facades face the constantly changing sea view (south) or filtered light through trees (north). The house uses custom-made windows with solid wooden frames. Their configuration depends on the function of each room. External materials and colors were chosen for both harmony with nature and practical reasons (low maintenance, durability, fire resistance, etc.).

The program is organized into three zones: flexible and open living spaces on the upper level, main bedroom and guest rooms on the lower floor. The central core of connectivity and services links different zones while also separating them.

Inside, simple two-color materials and finishes are used. White walls and minimalist furniture contrast with dark-stained and waxed wooden elements (wooden floors, window frames, fireplace, etc.). This is achieved through frameless profiles and hidden sills that enhance the sense of space and openness.

–Open Studio Pty Ltd