Project: Moat’s Corner House
Architects: Vibe Design Group
Location: Dromana, Australia
Year 2018
Photography courtesy of Vibe Design Group
Moat’s Corner House celebrates both its layered history and the lush gardens that surround it. Drawing inspiration from its mid‑century modernist roots, this five‑acre home balances structural honesty with immersive interaction—ensuring every moment feels connected to the life beyond its walls.
A Legacy of Gardens and Growth
Originally named for a pioneering family, Moat’s Corner later became the passion project of generations of gardeners. Over seventy years, they cultivated a rich tapestry of flora across the site. Today, the owners chose to honor that legacy by building directly upon the existing footprint—thus preserving the integrity of the landscape.
Protective Panels and Framed Vistas
At the entry, black reflective panels capture the mirrored silhouettes of the western gardens. Meanwhile, from inside, these same panels transform into bedroom bookshelves and kitchen bench tops. In addition, deep‑set glass surrounds each panel—above, below, and between—so that glimpses of greenery never escape your view.
Steel Frames and Cantilevered Wings
Furthermore, raw galvanized steel outlines the home’s offset frame. Consequently, floor and roof depths adhere precisely to the steel members’ tolerances. Below the cantilevered bedroom wing, a natural stacked‑stone fin anchors the structure—emphasizing material honesty and structural innovation without needless ornamentation.
Unbroken Connection to Nature
Finally, Moat’s Corner House rejects the hierarchy of principal and secondary spaces. Instead, every room—from the kitchen to the study—turns outward, acknowledging the garden’s unpredictable rhythms. As a result, the home becomes an observational haven: a place where architecture and landscape move in sync.
In sum, Moat’s Corner House offers a tranquil precision that both protects and engages its setting. By marrying modernist discipline with garden‑driven design, it stands as an interactive retreat—a home in constant dialogue with nature.
