mid the rolling hills of the Mornington Peninsula, Main Ridge Cottage is an extension designed by Matt Gibson of Matt Gibson Architecture + Design and built by Teede Building Group. The new wing, lavished with freshly minted interior finishes by Miffy English, furniture selected by Nicole Rosenberg of Liberty Interiors and elegant landscaping by Justine Carlile, transforms an existing modest house into a glamorous holiday getaway ringed by clipped vines and rambling bush. Matt Gibson: I MG: The initial decision was whether to do something different to the existing cottage as a new piece of architecture. We decided to do the opposite, producing a pavilion with a glazed negative-recessed connection that was virtually identical in form and material, using the same radial sawn board and silvertop ash battens that will grey off to look as if they were always there. MG: We always consider bushfire ratings and we had to build within a series of easements. We also look to context and place: what is appropriate to inscribe on this land that has meaning, will sit well in its environment and hopefully have reason not to be removed for years to come? MG: Our ideas were based around the design of the existing structure which while simple was well resolved, sat beautifully in its surrounds and was clearly designed by an architect. MG: The existing building contained a rectangular, sloping skillion roof with a modernist open-plan layout on the ground level comprising kitchen, living and dining spaces with small powder and laundry rooms off these and pergola-covered decks to the north and south. It was reminiscent of 70s stepped-level homes where upstairs contained a mezzanined void space in the lower part of the skillion and a single bedroom with ensuite and robe in the taller, sloped, ceilinged part of the roof. The extension followed the same theme in its external form and layout with the construction of an identical pod connected via a glazed corridor. The internal spaces and volumes were treated differently by adding a series of bedrooms at ground level and a smaller retreat living space separate from the main living room. This space contains the same void above as the existing cottage but rather than further rooms housed in the upper roof, the addition has a glazed study in the interstitial element with ‘his’ and ‘hers’ desks overlooking the countryside and accessed via the single stair to the main original bedroom. The upper part opens up to an external first-floor deck that provides for sunset viewing. The terraced pergola entertaining space has been extended with beautiful landscaping by Justine Carlile. MG: With its weathered timber and vines growing in and over it, the existing cottage sits wonderfully in the environment, almost as a landscape element. Our work follows the same philosophy, attempting to remain understated and at one with the existing building and landscape. Miffy English: The renovation involved working with existing finishes and joinery and some high ceilings. While keeping it bright and fresh, which suited the lofty ceilings, we introduced texture through subtle changes in finishes and materials, handmade tiles, natural stone and earthy timbers. These teamed with oversized sofas, linen curtains, contemporary lighting and accessories make it a comfortable weekender for a busy family and much-loved dog, allowing them to be immersed in the countryside as soon as they walk in the door. MG: They love the addition and the living options it gives them and are planning a guest pavilion using the same team!
