The precise siting of the new residence at ‘Mingela’ signals a special understanding of land and climate. The property of some 100 hectares of sheep pastures on rich volcanic soils has a new addition – half-anchored and half- floating. In part monumental and ephemeral, the house is totem-like in its effect of surprise.

FGR’s design for this rural haven is functional, practical and poetic. Set in the undulating countryside of Drummond, some 100kms north-west of Melbourne, the project puts monochrome into Kodachrome. A simple, largely singular, colour palette sets the scene for a house of sculptural force attuned like a weather vane.

Sitting on a plateau dotted with specimen eucalypts and remnant, bleached trees this ancient landscape has been partially regenerated and now overlooks an adjacent polo field. With echoes of the Australian veranda, ‘Mingela’ incorporates this celebrated building type of privacy, prospect, light-flow, shade and breeze.

This orientation of south-facing wall, viewed on approach, is all anchored embrace. North, east and west elevations offer a thrilling contrast of the floating, glass-walled pavilion. This keen siting, along with broad, wing-like eaves captures low winter sun yet provides full protection in high summer for remarkable solar performance.

A broad pivoting front door opens to an interior of remarkable light and vista. Floor to ceiling windows and doors frame the north aspect and a wide, ‘floating’ concrete deck seamlessly extends the connection. Incorporated is a stepped fire-pit, concrete seating and cantilevered infinity pool/spa. Pool and fireside the relationship with setting is especially intimate.

Construction and detailing throughout, while often complex, are streamlined and appear effortless. Tapered concrete flooring and eaves north, east and west appear worthy of the Concorde. Client requirements, site and climate are all reflected in FGR’s response of precision and fluid flexibility. Build quality, fittings and finishes throughout are premium, commercial standard.

Beyond its 3.5m tall flush, ceiling-to-floor glazing, a wash of daylight and shadow its main axis wall for a fully balanced natural light. Strip ceiling lights, required evening only, operate as recessed, exquisitely aligned ribbons.

Interiors are muted with a light, polished render to walls and ceiling of lustrous patina. A broad, island kitchen, butler’s pantry and bathrooms, replete in marble of granular, veined loveliness maintain an understated, tactile luxury.

This design language of concrete, polished stone and glass provides a precise, elegant consistency throughout. Fully operable windows and glass doors, bespoke bronze handles, along with the patina of buffed stone contribute to ‘Mingela’s’ luxurious utility.

This preference for easy adjustments and fine-tuning has internal sliding doors integrated into wall cavities that simply glide open or close for flexible living zones. Cabinetry throughout continues the streamlined qualities of the house as related ‘floating’ elements rather than block add-ons.

The house as pavilion demonstrates a convincing breakaway from the more common rectilinear box. In this location the benefits of a slender, aerodynamic aesthetic are immediately apparent. A free-flowing functionality, enduring materials and prize vistas are all part of Mingela’s lucid connection with place.

Monumental at first sight, the house transitions into the rare double of grand gesture and nuance for a palpable relationship with place, where ancient and modern celebrate each other.