MGAO | MATT ROSS GOODMAN . photos: © Jack Lovel
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.
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Project Name: OLIVE ST CABIN
Completion Year: 2024
Gross Built Area (m2/ ft2): 91m2
Project Location: Separation Creek, VIC
Program / Use / Building Function: Private House
Architect
Office Name: MGAO
Instagram: @mg_ao
Builder
Basebuild Constructions
Photographer
Photo Credits: Jack Lovel
