Merricks House, a 10-acre farm located in Merricks North, near Melbourne, Australia, was designed by Robson Rak Architects. The home is built on a horizontal orientation, emphasizing width instead of height, which creates a sense of refreshing amplitude. The initial brief for the house was for a simple rectangular box with symmetrical spaces. The objective being for the creation of order and symmetry to simplify ones life. In addition to this there was to be no direct harsh light into the house; just a natural glow of light throughout.
The ‘Plane’ tree outside the master bedroom to the south determined the planning and position of the house. The master bedroom was centered off this tree and the house and its zones extend to the west from here. The parents zone to the east, consists of a master bedroom, walk in robe, ensuite, and study space. The study can be accessed directly from outside and also has it’s own private view to the north of the property. The central zone of the house is the main living, dining, kitchen area, and includes the entrance to the house. In response to the brief of ensuring plenty of natural light without any harsh direct Northern or Western sun into the main living areas, an eave was designed which shades thin long high level windows above the dining and the living areas. Strategically placed skylights and glass windows assist in the constant glow this house is being bathed in. i.e.; the skylights over the kitchen bench and front door windows ensure that the central zone is bathed in beautiful light from sunrise to sunset.
