At a glance, this Blairgowrie Home appears to be a humble representation of a modern Mornington Peninsula beach house. Stone masonry walls, timber, and cylindrical steel beams forge an imposing frame that emerges vertically from the coastline’s furry scrub. But on closer inspection, the home, custom built by InForm Design in 2016, is a polished study in detail and consideration.
DESIGN: InForm Design | PHOTOGRAPHY Derek Swalwell
Set on a narrow, sloping site primed for expansive bay views, the home’s geometric, assertive facade is softened by a curved, steel spiral staircase and brushy greenery. It’s a clever mix of raw and foraged, whittled into a resilient structure designed to withstand the coast’s abrasive salty air and inclination for extreme temperatures.
InForm Design has made clever use of the site’s position as the home’s predominant structural feature is its ship-like balcony. A vast angular appendage to the home’s upper level, the balcony connects with the enclosed living area via floor-to-ceiling glass doors, the frames of which have been partly concealed by a stepped ceiling, creating an illusion of seamlessness. Such refined detail speaks of InForm Design’s ability to create a minimal yet considered mood.
With the exception of a luxurious master bedroom, the upstairs space is mainly designed for communal gatherings with an uninterrupted, open-plan living area. The kitchen’s glossy tinted splash-back and sleek black bench are balanced by timber floorboards and uncluttered white cabinetry. The warm yet minimal style of the room is further enhanced by a black feature wall and a suspended matte-black fireplace. Downstairs, two more bedrooms and a further living area are met with a large multi-level deck and spa.
Styling by Bek Sheppard mirrors the home’s singular style of modern understatement with tones of black, grey and pale timber. Both timeless and functional, the furniture blends a directional palette with highlight pieces that include a cylindrical lamp and a monochrome hanging print. Multiple floor-to-ceiling white cupboards provide an elegant solution for clutter, however it’s quite clear that the residents of this Blairgowrie residence would not be ones for short-lived partialities. The house was made for enjoying long, uninterrupted summers and provides only the most refined essentials to do so.
Stone masonry walls, timber, and cylindrical steel beams forge an imposing frame that emerges vertically from the coastline’s furry scrub.
