Red Crest House is a mid-century modern-inspired masterpiece, located in the Dandenong Ranges, an hour’s drive east of Melbourne. In this semi-rural context, the property overlooks a pastoral valley, and towering mature oak and elm trees provide a natural backdrop to family life.
With a desire to create both a rural sanctuary, and a space to share with friends and family, the clients engaged Dion Keech Architects and custom home builders Hedger Constructions, to bring their vision to life.
The home has a unique spatial organisation, sited upon the crest of a hill. It consists of two distinct wings which are subtly angled around a courtyard, forming the central focus of the dwelling, and creating a dramatic entry. “The home was envisaged with an opaque wall to the rear so that the view would only be revealed when you cross the entry threshold,” explains Dion Keech, Director of Dion Keech Architects. “The wings step-down to follow the contours of the land and the large, cantilevered skillion roof overhangs at each end, emphasising the mid-century silhouete”.
A home connected to the land and brimming with personality
Central to the project brief was honouring the homeowner’s deep connection to the land. “The clients required a timeless design, a property that looks as if it has always been there and has grown from the red earth on which it stands”, says Dion. “To achieve this, we utilised an earthy palette of natural materials, including native Australian timber, stone, copper and polished concrete”.
Internally, the artisan craftsmanship of Hedger Constructions is on full display. “Hardwood ceilings flow throughout the central open plan area”, explains Steven Hedger, Director of Hedger Constructions, “merging with the frameless glass highlight windows to provide connection to the surrounding landscape”. Counterbalanced by light grey Geostone concrete floors, the material approach uses texture and pattern to create visual interest.
The open plan living room features an impressive hand-laid stone-clad fireplace and a sunken lounge, “allowing for the family to sit around the fire and be almost level with the red earth outside,” says Dion. Thoughtful placement of large timber windows ensures views of the valley are enjoyed not only from the lounge, but all living spaces and bedrooms of the home.
Throughout the kitchen custom made timber cabinetry creates an atmosphere of warmth and authenticity. “The curved island bench and splashback are finished in hand cut moss green tiles, adding geometric interest”, explains Steven.
A favourite of the homeowners, the dining area features a secret wall bar, hidden behind walnut pocket doors and finished in ‘Toledo’ marble stone with luminescent veins of green and gold.
The approach to furniture styling converses effortlessly with the architecture, drawing inspiration from the site’s immediate landscape. With furniture, art and object styling by Simone Haag, pedigree mid-century furniture blends with contemporary and functional pieces to create an authenticity that feels interesting, elevated, and personal.
Blackbutt timber boards line the bathrooms, complemented by Fibonacci’s ‘freckle’ terrazzo floor tiles which are dappled with timber-toned aggregate. Bronzed fixtures and timber cabinetry reinforce the natural, earthy feel.
The clean architectural simplicity continues to the generously proportioned master bedroom and walk in robe. Here seagrass wallpaper contributes tonal layers and vintage style light fittings imbue a sense of warmth and calm.
A collaborative approach
Bespoke in all aspects, this home required a collaborative approach, for which both Hedger Constructions and Dion Keech Architects are renowned. Working hand-in-hand, all parties contributed their expertise to create this truly unique, showpiece home.
Servicing Melbourne and Regional Victoria, Dion Keech Architects brought an informed understanding of the potential of the site and creatively utilised the space and light to design this timeless Australian home.
With a reputation underpinned by over 30 Master Builders Association Awards, including multiple Regional Builder of the Year wins, Hedger Constructions are the trusted name to deliver custom homes of this size and calibre. Every Hedger Constructions home is masterfully crafted with a considered, innovative approach, and this new rural residence is no exception.
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Image credit: Dylan James Photography
