A Rural Revelation
Grand Designs Building Guide
Hedger Constructions is renowned for building beautiful homes that stand the test of time. Case in point: this stunning abode in Victoria. Sitting subtly on the ridgeline within a scenic valley, the home optimises views of the tranquil landscape of Murrindindi, two hours north-east of Melbourne.
With a desire to create both a rural sanctuary and a space to share with friends and family, the clients engaged Spowers Architects and bespoke interior designer Studio McGilp to bring their vision to life. The home has a unique spatial organisation, with two wings to provide guest and owner retreats, connected via expansive, light-filled shared central spaces.
Unobtrusive to the skyline with the 12-degree roof pitch and a cohesive colour palette inspired by the gentle hues of the external landscape, the contemporary rural residence is in complete harmony with its natural surroundings.
Externally, the use of natural materials in contrasting tones and textures was given careful consideration. The generously proportioned front entry door has been custom designed and built from Tasmanian oak with weighted sections of solid copper inlay and a custom handmade hammered-bronze handle.
Fine Adze granite provides an elegant simplicity and is complemented by handmade charcoal-hued Flensborg brickwork imported from Denmark. The use of yellow stringybark feature cladding to key areas provides charming contrast. Timber blades on the guest wing not only complement the style, but also provide
privacy and allow services such as downpipes to be concealed, lending clean lines to the build. An Alucobond fascia runs around the roofline, linking with the express jointed panel eave lining for a cohesive external finish.
Internally, the artisan craftsmanship of Hedger Constructions is on full display. The central zone of the home features a raked ceiling of Tasmanian oak, providing natural strength that is counterbalanced by light-honed Italian natural stone flooring. When the north sun illuminates the living room floor, the gentle, translucent veins reflect movement and ethereal serenity.
The focus of the space is the centrally placed triple-sided woodfire, custom designed and detailed, using individually shaped New Pearl limestone pieces. It is anchored by an extended hearth of large-format sintered stone in rich bronze to convey a solid, grounded ethic marking the “heart” of the home. On the
hearth, a generous seat cushion in a limited release jewel-tone cut-moquette velvet encourages fireside seating. The stunning feature chimney emphasises the high timber ceiling and openness of the surrounding area. Contemporary American accent lighting is used throughout the home and was customised by the interior and build teams to suit suspension from the raked ceilings.
With a 70-year history in high-end, custom residential interior design and decorating, Studio McGilp approached the interiors throughout this showpiece home with respect to the contemporary, linear nature of the architecture, while providing contrast through the introduction of gentle, organic forms. Softening of the built environment was achieved through the integration of a cohesive colour palette, evoking relaxed luxury, serenity and comfort.
A carefully curated selection of paintings, sculptures and objet d’art include locally made hand-blown glass sculptural forms, a commissioned suspended wire sculpture and an extensive selection of individually commissioned artworks. The furnishing response incorporates unique, limited-release European fabrics and custom woven textiles to enhance the interior via the use of contemporary patterns and modern, botanical forms.
A bespoke kitchen is flooded with natural light via an impressive glazing package including electric-opening clerestory windows for natural cross ventilation. The cabinetry package utilises low chroma colours to create a serene, comfortable space for cooking and entertaining. Hand-formed light-reflective tiles create an elegant splashback, while an environmentally conscious, silica-free Corian benchtop features a waterfall edge on one side and is balanced by a cantilevered plane on the opposing side. The butler’s pantry is discreetly positioned to allow the working elements of the kitchen to be concealed.
At either end of the open-plan central zone are guest and private wings. Here the high ceilings and expansive shared spaces are juxtaposed with an intimate approach using tactile finishes and materials. The bedrooms are inviting, restful sanctuaries and include bespoke upholstered bedheads and soft lighting, with beds finished using fine textiles of pure cashmere, cut velvet, wool and linen.
In the master bathroom, the free-standing bath is positioned to optimise valley views, with hand-woven artisanal Japanese automated blinds providing privacy. A large walk-in shower and an expansive dressing room complete the retreat-like feel. The north-facing aspect of the living and master bedroom zones allow for panoramic views and provide important thermal qualities to the home. The in-floor hydronic heating is rarely used as the eave lines and glazing package allow for the tiled floor to act as a heat bank in winter and provide appropriate shading in summer.
The main guest bedroom includes a private ensuite with floor-to-ceiling tiling and a walk-in robe. Additional bedrooms are serviced by a family bathroom and powder room in which custom-made light fittings of locally hand-blown glass and solid brass create a gentle atmosphere.
Bespoke in all aspects, this home required a collaborative approach. All parties, including the interior design team, contributed their expertise to provide comprehensive, individually tailored services from concept to completion. Servicing Melbourne and regional Victoria, Studio McGilp brought an informed understanding of interior architecture, interior detailing and building methods to achieve this special and timeless interior.
With a reputation underpinned by more than 30 Master Builders Association awards, including multiple Regional Builder of the Year wins, Hedger Constructions is the trusted name to deliver custom homes of this size and calibre. Every Hedger Constructions home is masterfully crafted with a considered, innovative approach, and this new Murrindindi residence is no exception. Hedger Constructions services Melbourne, north-east Victoria, the wider Yarra Valley region and Surf Coast Shire. The build team at Hedger Constructions places a high value on their relationships, encouraging creative input and open communication, with the aim of total client satisfaction.