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Project posted by Dwell
Editor’s Pick

Oikos at Breakneck Gorge

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Location
Elevated Plains, Victoria, Australia
Year
2018
Structure
House (Single Residence)
Style
Modern

Rental for 2 Guests

$330 / night
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The 11 Most Influential Architecture Trends of 2019
The 11 Most Influential Architecture Trends of 2019
Cor-Ten steel was selected both for its aesthetic appeal and its ability to integrate into the landscape, evolving over time and with the seasons. It also met the client's request for a building that didn't require ongoing external maintenance.
Cor-Ten steel was selected both for its aesthetic appeal and its ability to integrate into the landscape, evolving over time and with the seasons. It also met the client's request for a building that didn't require ongoing external maintenance.
The 753-square-foot layout presents a series of interesting volumes that are discovered as one moves through the space.
The 753-square-foot layout presents a series of interesting volumes that are discovered as one moves through the space.
The open-plan living space provides a front-row seat to the spectacular scenery, which is framed by floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that further integrate the outdoors.
The open-plan living space provides a front-row seat to the spectacular scenery, which is framed by floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that further integrate the outdoors.
The bedroom also boasts a wall of sliding glass doors that open the home to its surroundings.
The bedroom also boasts a wall of sliding glass doors that open the home to its surroundings.
The minimalist material palette incorporates light and shadows into a tonal, textural mix. The dark flooring and paneling are both Nero Oak Volcano from Mafi.
The minimalist material palette incorporates light and shadows into a tonal, textural mix. The dark flooring and paneling are both Nero Oak Volcano from Mafi.
These Sekhia bathroom wall tiles are a Japanese product from Inax. The sink vanity is made from black Marquina marble, and the aged bronze faucets are from Brodware.
These Sekhia bathroom wall tiles are a Japanese product from Inax. The sink vanity is made from black Marquina marble, and the aged bronze faucets are from Brodware.
The minimalist bathroom provides a calm, introspective experience.
The minimalist bathroom provides a calm, introspective experience.
The dramatic, handmade, black concrete soaking tub is from Boyd Alternatives, a local Victorian company that produces handmade baths. The color is an addition to the concrete mix.
The dramatic, handmade, black concrete soaking tub is from Boyd Alternatives, a local Victorian company that produces handmade baths. The color is an addition to the concrete mix.
The home steeps in dramatic views of the gorge.
The home steeps in dramatic views of the gorge.
Oikos floor plan
Oikos floor plan
Oikos site plan
Oikos site plan

Details

Square Feet
753
Bedrooms
1
Full Baths
1

Credits

Posted by
Architect
Robert Nichol & Sons
Interior Design
Robert Nichol & Sons
Builder
Nick Andrew Construction
Photographer
Jack Lovel
Awards
Winner Architecture MasterPrize - Small Architecture Category
Dezeen Awards 2018
Finalist Architeam Awards - Residential New Category
Finalist Victorian Premier's Design Awards - Architectural Category
Publications
Dwell

From Dwell

Named Oikos, a moniker derived from the ancient Greek word for home, this Cor-Ten steel vacation home resides in Hepburn Springs, Australia—a resort town about 90 minutes from Melbourne often referred to as "the spa center of Australia." Architectural firm Robert Nichol & Sons were tasked with constructing a holiday rental that would complement the already existing structures on their client’s sprawling property, called Breakneck Gorge, which include a homestead, another short-term rental, and some agricultural buildings.

The architects also sought to take advantage of the site’s spectacular scenery. "We knew our design had to respect and connect with this stunning location," they explain. "This region has a plethora of available short-term stays, but given the unique potential this site offered, connection to the landscape was critical."