The kitchen is characterised by polished concrete floors, an island bench made of Signorino ‘Superlative White’ stone, dark timber veneer joinery and rammed-earth walls. The space features the Cattelan Italia Isabel bar stool, Brodware ‘Yokato’ kitchen mixer, Miele built-in ovens and a warming drawer, and Blum storage solutions.
On Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Robson Rak have penned the next chapter of a 40-year-old mud-brick home by incorporating a rammed-earth extension, artfully blending old and new.
Perched atop a hill overlooking rolling green hills and lush forest, the home provides an idyllic retreat for a multi-generational family seeking an escape from the city. “Meticulously integrated into its natural surroundings, every aspect of the design reflects a deep appreciation for the landscape,” architect Kathryn Robson says – from the instinctive palette of rammed earth, polished concrete and black aluminium to the extensive glazing that wraps around the living spaces and draws the outside in.
A freestanding steel fireplace and rammed-earth wall subtly divide the kitchen and dining from the living area.
The living room is set against the verdant backdrop of the hills and forest. The space features the Poliform ‘Bristol’ sofa and ‘Mad’ swivel armchair, Karakter ‘Awkward’ floor lamp and a Halcyon Lake rug.
The new extension, housing a semi-open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, and two additional bedrooms transforms the home into an L-shaped structure. The addition embraces an updated outdoor living area and pool, seamlessly merging with the interiors through floor-to-ceiling glazing. Long rammed-earth corridors direct focus toward the hills, striking a delicate balance between openness and intimacy.
In the living room, the landscape is a verdant backdrop to family gatherings, imbuing them with sunlight, panoramic views and an open-air feeling. “Whether observing eagles soaring overhead or rain cascading in slow motion, the connection to nature here is palpable,” Kathryn says.
The restrained palette takes cues from the neighbouring forest, with aluminium cladding and rammed earth forming an exterior that contrasts with and complements its surroundings. These foundational materials extend into the interiors, where they’re accompanied by soothing blues and greys accentuated by freshly painted white walls and ceilings.
“Designed with an eye for balance and attention to detail, the House on the Hill epitomises a symbiotic relationship between architecture and environment,” Kathryn reflects. “It stands as a testament to timeless design principles, harmonising with the land upon which it rests and offering a sanctuary for generations to come.”
A bespoke bar area features powder-coated steel joinery elements, a Serge Mouille wall lamp and custom high table by Thomas Lentini.
A coastal-inspired palette of blues and greys harmonises with the home’s naturally verdant surroundings.
Robson Rak painted the original mud-brick home a fresh shade of white to bring it into the contemporary.
The new extension embraces an updated outdoor living area and pool, which features the Kett Addis Alu two-seater sofa and Tribu Nomad pouf.
An outdoor firepit area features the Hay Palissade outdoor lounge chair.
The exterior of aluminium cladding and rammed earth both contrasts with and complements its surroundings.
