When a Victorian construction company took on a new build in the hinterland of the Mornington Peninsula, it soon became apparent that form and function would be equally important. The clients are avid art and architecture fans, so they passionately explored the design process during all stages of the build.

This daring approach by the clients was a catalyst for the award-winning firm, Mazzei, when taking on this complex build. Their motto is: ‘Our clients don’t settle for second-best – and neither do we’.

As Mazzei Group Director Zeb Woodhatch explains, ‘We aim to build homes of uncompromised luxury in partnership with our clients.’ And this approach certainly came into play during this 23-month build in the town of Red Hill, which is surrounded by renowned wineries.

‘It started as a simple home on a sprawling block – a perfect location for the owners to retire,’ says Zeb. ‘However, the construction ended up being much grander than we initially anticipated.’

Flying roof

With Webster Architecture & Interiors on board, run by Dan Webster, the team worked closely with the creative clients to produce a modern home design that’s seamlessly integrated with its surroundings while standing independently as an architectural statement. 

The property offers panoramic views extending from the farm and vineyard to the Port Phillip and Western Port bays. This inspired the Mazzei and Webster teams to produce a structural masterpiece.

Its eye-catching x-shaped structure, which visually dominates the design, allows for stunning views from spectacular angles. The ‘flying roof’ comprises of two overlapping solid concrete roofs that cantilever 2.5 metres out around the perimeter of the home and extend to 3.5 metres at the corners.

Designing a dwelling that’s exposed to high winds and weather was a challenge for the Mazzei team. More importantly, it needed to withstand the Antarctic’s brunt weather over time. To ensure success, the project team led by a construction manager, site manager and concrete contractors created detailed prototypes for the roof to ensure they could achieve the required finish, bullnose detail and drip groove.

Perfection was paramount

During the design and construction process, perfection was always paramount. ‘We regularly had a surveyor making sure our formwork is exactly in the right spot, overviewing reference lines and data,’ says Zeb. ‘All formwork needed to be crisp and exact.’ An example of the exacting detail associated with the project is the 50,000 hand-pressed bricks involved.

As Mazzei Group Director and Mazzei General Manager Mark Supple explains, ‘We had to manage all the detailed planning, lines and pivots. During these times, there were a couple of moments when the site manager and I held our breath. Eventually, we looked at each other with smiles when everything fell exactly into place.’

The resulting home is a clear example of collaboration and effective planning and the delivery of high performance with construction methodology. Every room offers views from different angles, and the winged layout design means areas can be closed off to save on heating and cooling costs. Even in the chilliest months, the home's substantial thermal mass acts as a heat bank and keeps the space comfortable.

‘We have a never-ending pursuit for the highest performance,’ says Zeb. Mind you, no greater compliment can come from those of the homeowner. As Mark recalls, ‘A customer’s endorsement and happiness is our greatest joy. We aim to interpret someone’s dreams, as we did with the Red Hill property. And wow, what an honour it was.’ 

The  HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards  – one of the country’s most talked-about events in the industry – will conclude the three-day  HIA National Conference  in Melbourne on 15-17 May.

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First published on 18 March 2025.