Settled unobtrusively on a wild shorelineof Victoria’s Phillip Island, this effortlesslybeautiful holiday home evokes thenostalgic charm of Australia’s iconicfunctional modular homes and commercial projectsacross a range of industries – from healthcare andeducation to hospitality and transport,’ managing‘Modscape designs and builds beautiful and beachside cottages; with their spare mid- director Jan Gyrn says. century styling and perpetually sandy floors. At The company’s innovative approach to building, the same time, its progressive design and 21st where the majority of construction work is carried century sensibilities herald a bold new take on out inside its Melbourne factory, delivers a range contemporary architectural ingenuity. of advantages: ‘We view prefabrication as the The home is constructed – quite simply – from ultimate means of construction for sustainable seven prefabricated modular units, assembled homes because we have more control building it in into two rectangular forms and anchored to the one location, there is less waste and no commuting landscape by an expanse of raw timber decking. back and forth to the site,’ Jan explains. Extensive glazing along the front of the structure Weather delays and unforeseen complications are brings the spectacular ocean views into almost virtually eliminated, which means projects can be every part of the home, and, from the outside, delivered on predictable timelines and for a fixed cost. shimmers with the reflection of the waves. The For the Phillip Island project, Modscape’s clients interiors, pared back to match the stark lines of the were seeking a quiet sanctuary from the bustle and exterior, are serene, spacious and airy. stress of city life. Jan says that, while this imperative But there’s more to this four-bedroom, certainly informed the design process, the structure 300-square metre holiday house than clean lines was also shaped in direct response to both the and endless ocean views. It’s a high-performance beauty and climatic extremes of its windswept sustainable home, designed and built by modular coastal location. construction pioneer and decade-long HIA member ‘Important to the design was the organisation of Modscape. This unique company was established internal and external living spaces to ensure they in 2006 by a group of shareholders who value provide shelter at different times of the day and design, innovation and sustainability. year, while still allowing the amazing views to be experienced from within,’ he explains. ‘[The finished home] successfully allows the coastal location to be experienced in all its many states.’ The seamless transitioning between indoors ‘WE VIEW and out is one of the home’s primary functions, PREFABRICATION underpinning its connection to the natural landscape. AS THE ULTIMATE While the seaward-facing western elevation of the MEANS OF main house section takes the brunt of the weather, CONSTRUCTION full-height glass doors span its width across the FOR SUSTAINABLE central living and kitchen area, opening onto the HOMES’ deck and the 180-degree views. Large panels of Modscape managing glazing were also incorporated on the northern walls director Jan Gyrn to bring winter sunlight into this living space. a quiet sanctuary for the owners THE ZINC CLADDING DELIVERS EXTREME DURABILITY ALONG WITH A CERTAIN VISUAL SOFTNESS MAY 2018 HOUSING 19 PROJECTS