Location: St Andrews Beach, Australia.

Architect: Woods Bagot.

The St Andrews Villa, located on the Mornington Peninsula in Southern Australia, was built over a period of 20 years in three main phases. The villa was designed to blend in with the surrounding sand dunes and national park ecosystem, requiring a deep understanding of the area’s seasonal changes and weather patterns. The villa has evolved over time, with incremental additions and adjustments made to accommodate the needs of the family living there. The latest addition, a main stair under croft, was added in 2019, increasing the villa’s bedroom capacity to five and providing dual-level living separation. The villa’s design acknowledges the extreme weather conditions of the area, with materials chosen for their resilience and ability to age in sympathy with the local vegetation. The villa now offers a balance of personal intensity, wellness, and protected contemplation, creating an emotional trilogy that responds to both the users and the environment. The progressive design evolution of the villa ensures that it is in tune with its surroundings and will age well over time.

Photo credit: Trevor Mein, MeinPhoto.