ray dinh's 'first lessons house' lets the landscape take center stage

ray dinh, previously of austin maynard architects, has completed his first solo project — a residence overlooking the portsea lagoon and wildlife reserve in the australian state of victoria. sitting low among the site’s existing myrtle and tea-trees, ‘first lessons house’ is described by dinh as an attempt to get the basics right with a design that responds to its context, as well as the owner’s daily habits.

all images © peter bennetts

‘the owners wanted a house that allows for as much outdoor space as possible, and opens up to the garden,’ explains ray dinh, who states that the beauty of this project is the site itself. sited on a square block, the L-shaped house is carefully sited to take advantage of the northern sun, tree canopy shade, existing contours, prevailing winds and views towards the lagoon.

the home features an outdoor shower next to the deck

charred blackbutt, concrete, and corrugated iron were chosen as robust, earthy materials that are softened by the natural light and landscape. the entire roof and back of the house is made of standard timber frame and corrugated cladding, while large sliding doors disappear behind walls to offer an uninterrupted view and transition to the garden. here, the outdoor deck is an extension of the open plan living area, and the fireplace is the focal point of the indoor/outdoor living spaces.

the home opens up to the garden

the house has been designed to accommodate a large family events. from spring to autumn, most dinners are outside between the kitchen and BBQ, while cool nights can be spent beside the fire. ‘the five bedroom house that emerged from the brief has already hosted family christmas dinner, new years celebrations (sit down dinner for 45 people on the deck), their sons 12th birthday party and many family weekend get-togethers,’ dinh continues. ‘this is a social house, where the inhabitants can counterbalance their urban lives with the pace and beauty of the lagoon side landscape.’

large sliding doors disappear behind walls to offer an uninterrupted view

a pool is found at the bottom of the garden

the L-shaped property is articulated around the bucolic setting

the entrance to the single storey home

from spring to autumn, most dinners are outside between the kitchen and BBQ

the structure sits low among the site’s existing myrtle and tea-trees

floor plan / level 0