Project: Mornington Peninsula Retreat House
Architecture: Aych Architects
Builder: Latitude 37
Location: Mount Eliza, Victoria, Australia
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Alex Reinders
Set within the tranquil bushland of Mount Eliza on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, the Mornington Peninsula Retreat House by Aych Architects embodies the perfect blend of privacy, luxury, and connection to nature. Built in collaboration with Latitude 37, the home stands as a sanctuary that thoughtfully integrates form, function, and flow. Every detail is designed to elevate wellbeing, offering a soothing escape from daily life while celebrating the pristine beauty of the surrounding environment.
A Sanctuary Among the Bushland
Tucked away at the end of a long driveway, the Mornington Peninsula Retreat House is intentionally understated, ensuring it merges seamlessly with its treed setting. This secluded location is abundant in native flora, enhancing the home’s sense of retreat and tranquility. Large windows and open sightlines invite nature inside, forging a fluid bond between the interior and the bushland beyond. The hillside locale not only provides breathtaking views of the creek valley but also allows the building to integrate gracefully into the existing landscape.
Outdoor living is embraced at every turn, from the infinity pool subtly blending into its surroundings to the established vegetation that celebrates the coastal climate. A small indoor garden tucked beneath the staircase echoes this connection, bringing greenery indoors and further reinforcing the restorative experience of living amid nature.
Luxurious Interiors with Coastal Influences
Stepping inside, you’re met with a sophisticated blend of light and dark tonal palettes. Lighter elements pay homage to Mount Eliza’s coastal setting, while darker, moodier accents create a sense of warmth and intimacy. Nowhere is this striking contrast more apparent than in the kitchen, where the raw texture of CDK Stone’s New Elegant Grey limestone pairs beautifully with black features such as the rangehood, exuding an understated elegance.
Every corner of the Mornington Peninsula Retreat House speaks to Aych Architects’ and Latitude 37’s shared vision for a home that enhances daily living rituals. Subtle design choices—from spacious communal areas to the strategic use of natural materials—lend a timeless quality that encourages both social interaction and moments of quiet reflection.
Sustainable Principles for Modern Living
Beyond aesthetic appeal, the Mornington Peninsula Retreat House exemplifies forward-thinking sustainability. Holding a 6-star energy rating, the home harnesses passive design techniques to regulate temperature, taking full advantage of Mount Eliza’s sunlight and coastal breezes. A zoned Mitsubishi Electric air-conditioning system heats or cools only the spaces in use, minimizing energy consumption and ensuring optimal comfort.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and well-placed ventilation capture natural light and promote airflow, highlighting the design team’s commitment to a healthier living environment. By merging sustainability with luxury, Aych Architects and Latitude 37 demonstrate that eco-conscious design needn’t compromise on style or comfort.
