First Lessons House designed by Ray Dinh Architecture, The beauty of this project is the site itself, which overlooks the Portsea Lagoon and Wildlife Reserve. First Lessons House sits low amongst the existing Myrtle and tea-trees, at the back corner of the site.
Photography: Peter Bennetts
Like many architect?s first projects, this one came through a family. The owners wanted ?a house that allows for as much outdoor space as possible and opens up to the garden?. The challenge was to retain the native bush character of the landscape while meeting the clients brief.

On a square block, the L-shaped house is carefully sited to take advantage of the northern sun, tree canopy shade, existing contours, prevailing winds, and views to the lagoon. Charred blackbutt, concrete, and corrugated iron were chosen as robust, earthy materials that are softened by the natural light and landscape. Photography: Peter Bennetts
To balance budget and brief, the entire roof and back of the house are made of standard timber frame and corrugated cladding. The costs were then focused on the detail of the northern elevation and the view. Large sliding doors disappear behind walls to offer an uninterrupted view and seamless transition to the garden. On rainy days, the doors can be left open to allow the house to breathe, and the familiar sound of rain on a tin roof can be heard. Over these doors, high windows with charred timber battens filter the northern sun and highlight views to the treetops. In wi...