Photographer

Builder

Structure

Geotech

Joiner

Timber Joinery

There’s a sense of unwrapping at Olive Street Cabin. The compact 90-square-metre holiday home opens with ritualistic precision when occupied, and shuts up tightly when not in use.  The two-bedroom, one-bathroom beach house is a modern take on 1950s and 60s cabins.

The project started with the idea of doing something simple marrying to the character of Separation Creek. It’s robust, bushfire-safe and true to the area’s history.

The design focuses on openness, the living spaces blur indoors and outdoors. There is a balance between view and enclosure. External spaces flow into the kitchen and living areas.

The windows are the focal point. Frameless detailing makes the glass appear to float, drawing the view into the room. Internally, the layout is compact but considered. The kitchen and dining are connected by a custom stepped bench made from blackbutt timber.

Materials are simple – Colorbond steel, blackbutt timber and Barestone cladding – chosen for durability and honesty.

Every detail serves a purpose. Olive Street Cabin is restrained but not plain. It’s a beach house that feels open and relaxed, connected to its surroundings and grounded in its context.

Olive Street Cabin

House in Smiths Beach

Set on the edge of the water, this compact home captures an unencumbered aspect above the ocean. Rebuilt following the 2015 bushfires, our approach focused on the views. The house is split across two levels, with the bedrooms on the lower level, and the main living zones upstairs. To elevate the experience throughout this house, we framed different moments to pause ,in the downstairs zones.

A skillion roof falls to the road on the northern edge. Not only is this a nod to the local beach shack vernacular, but also adds privacy from the street and mitigates the harsh north sun. 

The house in essence turns it back to the road, opening up to the ocean with floor to ceiling windows. Clean lines and minimal decoration further the idea of letting nature be the focus. Simple materials ensure nothing distracts. Even the kitchen is a recessive element, clad with dark cabinetry.

House in Wye River

Builder 

Inspired by the history of the Wye River region, this pro bono rebuild is all about the humble beach shack vernacular. Our clients embraced all the ideas we brought to the table.

A rationale floor plan folds inwards, moving from public zones into increasing layers of privacy. Externally the need for privacy is resolved through a series of windows moving from larger to smaller. 

A steep site presented many challenges, each resolved through clever details. For instance, custom guttering and balustrade design. A self-contained unit occupies the lower floor, with its own entrance. The upper level residence can be closed off completely. Upstairs, all attention is to the views. Large windows draw nature inside.

The Barestone cladding is a deliberate nod to the traditional holiday homes that dot the region. Inside, simple and practical white cabinetry and white walls sets a minimal backdrop for living

Cabin on Trailer

Survey

On the precipice of a steep slope overlooking the Kennett River, MGAO has crafted a weekend cabin that embodies our commitment to context-sensitive design. This project presented unique challenges–from extreme bushfire risks to the desire top reserve the native landscape.

Invisible from the road, the black-clad structure recedes into its surroundings, a silent observer of the valley below. The design, initially conceived as a three-level dwelling, evolved in response to stringent bushfire regulations. The result is a two-storey home that maintains our original intent: a minimal footprint that frames distinct views from each space.

Inside, the house unfolds as a journey. A green corridor, echoing the surrounding foliage, leads to bedrooms with strip windows capturing garden vistas and distant hills. The living area, zoned for subtle separation within its openness, culminates in a picture window framing the ocean horizon.

Every element is considered. The kitchen, with its hidden appliances and recessed features, exemplifies refined simplicity. The timber veneer echoes the desire to connect to nature. Unusual bathroom shapes and carefully placed windows extend the sense of space, creating an experience larger than the cabin's modest footprint. 

This home is built to the highest bushfire safety standards, including a shelter that exceeds typical requirements. While the landscape has changed–trees once integral to the concept have been removed for safety–the structure maintains a relationship with its original forested setting.

Kennett River house is a quiet achiever, balancing functionality with a deep connection to place.

House in Kennett River

On Christmas day 2015, an out of control bush fire swept through Wye River, 116 homes were lost in the fire. This project replaces one of these homes. The site is located on a steeply sloping block, obliquely facing Bass Straight. Perched high on the hill side, the house sits where the tree canopy once stood, anxiously awaiting the regrowth of the surrounding bushland.

The buildings form loosely references the skillion roofed beach shacks built during the 60’s-70’s. The rational footprints, expressed with simple construction methods and common materials produce a modest, humble quality to the village. This projects aims to continue that legacy. Upon approach, the building presents an impenetrable skin, yet once inside, the building gradually opens itself up, revealing the stunning view toward the ocean and the village beyond, seen through a foreground of mature trees which the clients fought to save.

Surveyor

Comprising two adjacent houses, this project is envisioned as a multi-generational beach retreat. The two houses sit next to each other, with the grandparents residing in the downslope house and the main family occupying the uphill house.

Both houses share a common arrival point at the downstairs level, which facilitates parking for both residences. A central BBQ space serves as a communal hub. It is a connecting point for the two homes, fostering family interaction. Each house mirrors the other in design.

The layout of the houses is designed to maximise key views. Rooms are oriented to capture specific vistas, either over the top or between neighbouring dwellings. The design features big open spaces that highlight expansive views, complemented by smaller, curated views for a more intimate experience. Despite the similar spatial arrangement, the varying orientation of each pavilion imparts a unique sense of place and experience.

This project aims to create a calming, nature-connected living environment, where the views play a central role in defining the experience. The design prioritises a strong connection with the surrounding site, ensuring that the houses feel unique without unnecessary embellishments.

Located near Geelong, Austins Wines Cellar Door is a project that remakes an old shearing shed into a wine-tasting venue. The vision was about maintaining the authentic spirit of its original structure. 

A new roof was added over the original, which preserves the historic aesthetics inside while providing modern functionality. An amenities store has been included to house essential services, seamlessly integrating into the overall design. Internally, the renovation honours the building's heritage by leaving the old roof visible and retaining the original truss roof frames. New internal linings on the walls contrast with these preserved elements, creating a genuine blend of old and new.

The shearing shed's essence is kept intact, offering a refined yet authentic wine experience that aligns with the brand and the family’s history of winemaking. The renovation process was guided by the space and the original shed, ensuring every decision was made with respect to its heritage.

A picture window enhances the sense of openness. The space is divided into almost two perfect squares–one for standing and doing tastings, the other zone for sitting and relaxing. These zones were informed by the original functions of the shed, reflecting them in a modern context. 

Minimal additions were made to modernise the building, keeping the intervention as light as possible

Cellar door in Sutherlands Creek

Services

Visualisations

Planner

Traffic

A study in shifting urban scales, this medium-density mixed-use building in Abbottsford extrapolates the grid of Victorian row houses. We won the project as part of a design competition with our context-driven response.

The challenge was transitioning from a low-scale heritage zone to an 8 storey commercial building. Our design references the heritage and relatable scale of a Victorian terrace house. It then steps back following that familiar repetition - a move to make it feel part of the original.

The three-sided building is clad in dark green, which introduces a sense of nature at urban scale. For the entry, textured walls and tones draw a connection to Yarra Bend, Studley Park and the Fairfield Boathouse. We made the borrowed landscape work as hard as possible to connect inside and outside.

Office in Abbotsford

In the heart of Northcote, we revitalised a tiny, run-down corner property into a spacious and welcoming home. This project exemplifies our commitment to finding innovative solutions within tight constraints.

The original 30-square-metre house was barely more than a studio and required an additional room. Our approach was to strip back rather than build out, removing a dilapidated rear section to make way for a new, efficient bathroom and laundry space.

A key design move was relocating the entry to the rear of the property. This seemingly simple change had a profound impact, creating a sequence of spaces that unfold as you approach the home. Visitors now enter through a courtyard garden. This green buffer provides a moment of transition and expands the perceived boundaries of the small dwelling. 

We extended and reinforced the fence line, further defining the property's edges and enhancing privacy. High windows were strategically placed to maintain this sense of seclusion while allowing ample natural light to flood the interior.

Despite its minimal footprint, the renovated home feels surprisingly generous. This perception of space is achieved through thoughtful planning, clever use of sightlines, and a strong connection to the outdoor areas. Good design can elevate even the most modest of spaces. Northcote House demonstrates how constraints can drive creativity. The result is a home that punches well above its weight in terms of liveability and charm.

House in Northcote

House in Caulfield North

One of several projects in the Wye River region to rebuild after the 2015 bushfires, this home embraces the surrounds while offering a fresh start. The 230-square-metre house balances continuity with reinvention.

From the exterior, two modest single-storey pavilions present themselves, separated by a distinct gap. This design choice maintains the area's characteristic scale while hinting at the spatial complexity within.

The journey through the home is an orchestrated experience. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted with an ocean vista before entering the upper level living zones including kitchen and dining areas. A double-height light well guides the way downstairs, where the living room frames an amphitheatre view of the ocean and surrounding region. 

Spatial variety is key to this home's character. The upper level, more exposed and public, contrasts with the cosy, private spaces below. A compressed transition leads to the children's bedrooms and a second living area. The purpose being to create a sense of retreat. Circulation spaces throughout enhance the feeling of discovery.

Outdoor living is integral to the design. An elevated deck offers uninterrupted views, while sheltered areas ensure comfort in all weather conditions. The home is zoned into north and south areas, each responding to its specific environmental context.

Materiality plays a crucial role in tying the home to its surroundings. Colorbond cladding and a refined skillion roof nod to local architectural vernacular, while crazy paving adds textural interest. 

This project respects its past while confidently stepping into the future.

Documentation

Positioned on a corner site in Collingwood, this medium-density commercial building celebrates the mature gumtrees at the rear. Our aim was to connect the project to its green surroundings.
While simple in concept, the execution was deeply considered. The focal point being borrowed landscape.
Clad in dark green Colorbond steel, the façade visually connects to the park. 

Each building face varies in openness to maximise floor area. It also modulates light and shadow.
Blonde bricks at the ground floor reference back to the original warehouse structure that occupied the site.
While the envelope came to us already approved by VCAT, our design approach was focused on bringing a domestic scale.

Office in Collingwood

Apartment in St Kilda

House in Valla

Planning

Urban Design

ESD / Waste

The industrial and gritty urban fabric of Collingwood was our starting point for this mid-scale commercial project. Red brick warehouses and their square openings set the contextual basis. While a familiarity of form and material underpins our design language–only scaled up.

Brick has been used as a singular material. This creates a sense of refinement and visual clarity. The window frames and structural spans all take advantage of standard sizes. The interiors maximise lettable floor area, while services have been minimised as much as possible. This not only contains unnecessary costs but also brings rigour and repetition.

Office in Collingwood 

In the architecturally curated landscape of Barwon Heads Golf Club, we designed a residence that redefines privacy within a dense neighbourhood. 

The concept revolves around a central courtyard. Rather than opening up to the street, the design turns inward, creating a sense of sanctuary amid the surrounding development. 

Materiality plays a crucial role in achieving this sense of enclosure. A robust rammed earth base grounds the structure, while a delicate timber-screened veil shrouds the exterior. Both offer protection from prying eyes. The combination of solid and permeable elements creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. 

The floor plan tells a story of purposeful demarcation. It is elegant simplicity, with zones windmilling around the central courtyard. Rammed earth walls act as natural dividers, clearly defining three distinct zones: a guest and service wing, a central living area, and a private family wing. Portal passageways connect these spaces, creating a journey through the home. 

Large glass expanses contrast with the solidity of the rammed earth, blurring the lines between inside and out. This interplay enhances the feeling of spaciousness while maintaining the core concept of a protected, private realm. his is a home that invites contemplation, offering its inhabitants a true sense of retreat.


House in Thirteenth Beach

Set within the established heritage suburb of Sydney’s Woollahra, we transformed a modest terrace house into a light-filled family home. Our approach respects its heritage while embracing contemporary living. 

Working within the constraints of a tight 110m2 footprint, we reimagined the space to accommodate modern needs. The renovation took a single bathroom and bedroom, turning it into a two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence with expanded living areas.

The design centres on the inter play between old and new. Visitors arrive through the original terrace before descending in to the rear extension. A key feature is the skylight, replicating the dimensions of the lost breezeway. This passes through the downstairs as a full skylight. 

The lightwell serves multiple functions–it creates a visual separation between old and new sections, floods the lower level with natural light and blurs the boundary between inside and out. It also doubles as a unique shower space for the main bathroom.

The extension cleverly expands the perceived living space. A large window connects the interior to an outdoor area, effectively doubling the living room's sense of spaciousness without increasing its physical footprint. 

Upstairs, we've maintained the original pitched roof form to harmonise with neighbouring properties. However, the space has been reimagined with multiple skylights and a screened terrace off the main bedroom. It’s a private outdoor retreat. 

Personal touches add personality. For instance, custom-painted tiles by the client in the children's bathroom. 

Woollahra House is a delicate balance of preservation and innovation, resulting in a home that feels both grounded in its context and refreshingly contemporary.

House in Woollahra

Cabin in Pyramid Rock

Apartment in Coburg

Apartment in South Melbourne

This project involves the extensive alteration and addition of an existing Art Deco apartment building.

House in South Yarra

Landscape

House at Anglesea has been rebuilt with integrity, keeping the soul of its mid-century origins intact. A three-bedroom, two-bathroom alternations and additions project, the original home was charming but impractical. With poor insulation and awkward add-ons, the best option was to sensitively rebuild replacing sections with better quality.

The client brief was to raise the ceiling height and open the living spaces to the courtyard garden. The original L-shaped layout was maintained. Columns and existing proportions guided the new plan. Every decision respected the mid-century character while bringing it up to modern standards and bushfire zoning.

The living space now flows into the garden. Existing native trees add character. The bedrooms and bathrooms are functional and simple. Materials are chosen to feel honest and purposeful. Bagged brick, blackbutt timber ceilings and carefully detailed windows create a sense of warmth.

Each element is refined, not overdone. House at Anglesea honours the past while quietly improving it. It is a home that feels familiar, but better – true to its roots and ready for the future.

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Olive Street Cabin

Office in Collingwood

House in Wye River

House in Angelsea

House in South Yarra

House in Wye River

Apartment in South Melbourne

House in Kennett River

House in Wye River

Office in Abbotsford

House in Caulfield North

Office in Collingwood

House in Thirteenth Beach

House in Narooma

House in Wye River

House in Wye River

House in Wye River

Cellar door in Sutherlands Creek

House in Woollahra

Apartment in Coburg

House in Smiths Beach

Apartment in St Kilda

House in Northcote

House in Yarrambat

Cabin in Pyramid Rock

Cabin on Trailer

House in Valla

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