BCM Homes director David Moyle chose a property along the stunning Great Ocean Road in Victoria to build his dream holiday retreat. Designed by Crosier Scott Architects, and built by BCM Homes, the home, named ‘Horizon’, is located in the Wye River district, between Lorne and Apollo Bay. David chose the site for its tranquil coastal beauty and community.
With a rugged and bushy mountain backdrop to one side and the open expanse of the Southern Ocean on the other, David sought a design that blended creativity and sustainability with a focus on the natural surroundings.
Having collaborated with Crosier Scott Architects for over 20 years, David gave the design team the option to “design it as challenging as you like, we'll handle the construction”.
The architects delivered on the brief with a stunning design based on the overarching philosophy of balancing aesthetic and environmental response. Suspended on the water's edge of an unbelievably steep slope and moulded to the landscape, the home features a low-maintenance exterior cladding ideal for the coastal setting, while burnished concrete floors, solid timber, and high-end finishes inside complete the sophisticated build.
Aligned with his vision for a sustainable and energy-efficient home, David chose top building brands, CSR Gyprock and Bradford for their innovative products.
The house has recently won the highest residential building award bestowed each year – the 2024 HIA-CSR Australian Home of the Year.
“Winning a prestigious national-level award is something I'm extremely proud of,” says David. Recalling his decade-long journey to build this stunning coastal retreat, he says he chose the location 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.”
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 home,” David says. This personal touch is visible in every detail of the home, from its location and design to the materials used.
The bold cantilevered design addresses the challenges of the sloping site; the design not only enhances the house's overall appeal but also allows for stunning ocean views. The two-storey, 326-square-metre 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 as well as a 600-bottle wine cellar, the design also makes space for a huge rumpus room and games area, giving the family ample space for relaxation and entertaining. The design incorporates triangular shapes and straight lines both externally and internally, which fits Crosier Scott Architects’ design approach. “We wanted something striking and concrete was the perfect material to create a structure that's both beautiful and resilient,” says David.
The extensive earthworks involved removing 1,800 cubic metres of soil and transporting it 25 kilometres to nearby farmland. To ensure the home’s stability, the foundations penetrate seven metres deep into basalt rock. The location being a BAL-40 designated fire zone, fire safety was prioritised in the design and construction. “All the glazing on the site is 12mm thick toughened glass to meet fire safety requirements,” David explains.
Another challenge was the site’s limited access through a narrow, dead-end road, which 103 concrete trucks had to negotiate during construction. “Collectively, the trucks reversed 25 kilometres to get to the site,” David says. The project used 1,000 tonnes of concrete, delivered in 31 pours, with the nearest concrete plant two hours away.
Internally, the home incorporates feature board-form concrete walls with a wood grain pattern, rich timber panelling, and large glass panel doors – the largest measuring 2.7m by 5m – leading to outside seating and entertaining areas while also maximising the views. CSR Gyprock plasterboard was extensively used for its acoustic properties and enhanced resilience, ensuring the walls can withstand the daily demands of a lively family holiday home. “Strength and longevity were important considerations when choosing the right materials. We used Gyprock Standard 13mm, a commercial plasterboard, to deliver a more robust, acoustically sound lining, reducing sound travelling across the floors, transforming the space into a serene environment,” says David.
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, but careful design means it is comfortable all year while using little energy.
In another example of good design, also chosen were materials that work behind the scenes to ensure the home not only looks but also feels serene and inviting. CSR Bradford’s Polymax insulation, for instance, plays an essential role in delivering optimal thermal and acoustic performance. Installed between the concrete flooring, the insulation not only enhances the home’s energy efficiency but also contributes significantly to reducing noise transfer, creating a quieter and more peaceful living environment between the different levels. Additionally, Bradford Gold R2.5 acoustic batts were used between the walls and in the ceilings, further enhancing soundproofing and maintaining the home’s serene atmosphere.
“These products provide an extra level of comfort by keeping the house warmer in winter and cooler in summer, while dramatically reducing unwanted noise transfer. After two years of living in the house, we've barely used the air conditioning,” David remarks.
Horizon is a stunning and stylish house that still manages to convey an easy-going appeal, synonymous to the idea of relaxed Australian coastal living. Highlighting the project’s collaborative approach, David says, “Everyone involved went above and beyond to deliver the highest quality finish, which has led to it being an award-winning house.”
