The Wye River district, located between Lorne and Apollo Bay along the stunning Great Ocean Road, has long been known for its tranquil coastal beauty and community. It has also provided the perfect spot for BCM Homes homeowner and director David Moyle to build his dream family holiday home called Horizon.
With a rugged and bushy mountain backdrop to one side and the open expanse of the Southern Ocean on the other, the design needed to blend creativity and sustainability with a focus on the natural surroundings.
Designed by Crosier Scott Architects and built by BCM Homes, the house has recently won the highest residential building award bestowed each year, winning the 2024 HIA-CSR Australian Home of the Year. Working with Crosier Scott Architects, trusted collaborators for over 20 years, David offered the team to design it as challenging as they liked while he handled the construction.
The result is nothing short of stunning. With an overarching philosophy of balancing aesthetic and environmental response, the home is suspended on the water’s edge of an unbelievably steep slope, moulded to the landscape.
The low-maintenance clad exterior is ideal to withstand the coastal setting. Inside, burnished concrete floors, solid timber and high-end finishes complete this sophisticated build. Integral to David’s vision is the commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, a cornerstone of modern home design.
In this pursuit of sustainability, David turned to top building brands, CSR Gyprock and Bradford for their innovative products.
“The location was chosen based on its natural beauty and suitability for family get-togethers. We live in regional Victoria in Ballarat and we always wanted a holiday home along the coast,” David says.
“Winning a prestigious national-level award is something I’m extremely proud of. The journey to build this stunning coastal retreat began over a decade ago.”
The house is an oasis for David and his family, allowing them to unwind and escape the hustle of daily life: “The project is one that we’ve built for ourselves, so it’s our own family holiday homes.
“This personal touch is visible in every detail of the home, from its location, design, to the materials used.”
Due to the sloping site, a bold cantilevered design was selected that not only enhanced the house’s overall appeal but also allowed for stunning ocean views. The two-storey, 326m2 house is an engineering feat with meticulous detail and execution and extensive integrated technology, featuring four bedrooms, three bathrooms and an open-plan living area and kitchen with premium appliances.
There’s also a huge rumpus room and games area providing plenty of space for relaxation and entertaining as well as a 600-bottle wine cellar. The design incorporates triangular shapes and straight lines both externally and internally, which fits Crosier Scott Architects’ design approach.
The home’s internal design includes feature board-form concrete walls with a wood grain pattern, rich timber panelling and large glass panel doors that take advantage of the views. Integral to the home’s design and functionality is CSR Gyprock plasterboard, which was extensively used for its acoustic properties and enhanced resilience, ensuring the walls withstand the daily demands of a lively family holiday home.
Energy efficiency and comfort were major considerations in the design. The orientation of the home maximises natural light while reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. The home features in-slab hydronic heating and reverse-cycle air-conditioning. With careful design it stays comfortable all year while using little energy.
A key aspect of good design lies in the materials that work behind the scenes to ensure the home not only looks but also feels serene and inviting. Among these, CSR Bradford’s Polymax insulation plays an essential role in delivering optimal thermal and acoustic performance.
While generous, the house still manages to feel relaxed to accommodate family living. To counterbalance the sharp angles of the design, furnishings are textured, generous and layered, offering cosy areas for family and friends to enjoy time together.
Horizon is a stunning and stylish house that still manages to convey an easy-going appeal, synonymous with the idea of relaxed Australian coastal living.
