- Project: Ridge Road Residence
- Architect: StudioFour
- Location: Australia, Fingal, Victoria
- Year: 2014
- Area: 400 m2
- Photography: Shannon McGrath
Nestled discreetly within the windswept vegetation of Fingal, along Victoria’s rugged coastline, the Ridge Road House by StudioFour exemplifies refined contemporary architecture that responds directly to site, topography, and climate. This luxurious yet sustainable residence disappears into its natural surroundings through a masterful application of materiality and form.
A House Hidden in the Landscape
From the street, the house presents a modest, monolithic facade, composed entirely of blackened timber walls, pierced only to denote the entry point. The structure is intentionally subdued, its dark reflective glazing and cladding allowing it to merge almost invisibly into the coastal vegetation.
The upper level offers just a glimpse of the overall footprint—the second, lower level remains hidden, flowing gently down the sloped terrain. In contrast to neighboring properties that dominate the landscape by elevating outdoor spaces on artificial podiums, Ridge Road House embraces the natural slope, extending into terraced decks that provide shelter, privacy, and unbroken views of the surrounding native grasses.
An Architecture of Restraint
StudioFour approached the project with a clear goal: to deliver a custom-designed architectural solution that was both budget-conscious and contextually responsive. The resulting design is a testament to the philosophy of less is more, where architectural expression is driven by necessity and essence.
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Sustainable timber, used inside and out, serves as the primary construction material.
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The natural finish of the timber not only reduces embodied energy but also celebrates the raw beauty of organic materials.
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A restrained palette and pared-down forms create a tranquil interior atmosphere focused on connection with the surrounding environment.
“The emphasis is not on what has been designed in, but what nature has provided—and drawing this ‘genius loci’ inside for all to experience,” says StudioFour.
A Model for Sustainable Coastal Living
The Ridge Road House is more than a residence; it is a model for sustainable and sensitive coastal development. The deliberate integration with site topography, use of renewable materials, and elimination of unnecessary forms demonstrate how contemporary architecture can coexist harmoniously with the natural world.
Photography © Shannon McGrath
The Ridge Road House by StudioFour is an architectural response to place, economy, and ecology—a home that disappears into the land while offering a luxurious living experience grounded in simplicity and intent.
