In creating Red Crest House, the architects at Dion Keech, aided by Loopea Design Studio and interior expert Simone Haag, dreamt up a warm, inviting and inherently liveable contemporary residence, where nature is integral to the design. 

Nestled amidst the picturesque Dandenong Ranges in Victoria (just outside of Melbourne), the Red Crest House is a beacon of architectural balance and careful design. Here, a mid-century-modern architectural code is married with a series of contemporary spaces, where every part of the home capitalises on the captivating allure of its breathtaking natural landscape. Overlooking a pastoral valley, with views that aren’t revealed until one steps over the threshold, this architectural marvel exudes an undeniable nostalgic charm while exquisitely capturing the essence of its surroundings, and is a haven of cosy, private domesticity (albeit with an undeniably unique design). 

“Warm and textural, the interior has been painstakingly designed to evoke a sense of tranquillity and relaxation, finished with an overarching colour palette of earthy hues and materials.” 

Set on a rolling hillside, Red Crest House unfolds gracefully, its elongated shape harmonising with the undulating terrain. Here, it seems, architecture and nature have been made to converge seamlessly, where a verdant backdrop of majestic gums serves not only as an arresting panorama but also as a catalyst for accentuating the home’s mid-century silhouette.

Inside, a series of carefully curated spaces complement the architecture. Warm and textural, the interior has been painstakingly designed to evoke a sense of tranquillity and relaxation, finished with an overarching colour palette of earthy hues and materials like hand-cut tiles, honey-toned timber, buttery leathers, brass, linen and cork, set against geostone concrete floors, Fibonacci Freckle terrazzo and terracotta aggregate. The risks that the design teams at Dion Keech and Loopea Design Studio were able to take here, from using bold geometric patterns and highly-tactile material finishes to the focus on patinas and natural expressions over overt embellishment, clearly paid off, and created a unique canvas on which Simone Haag could, as the final step, leave her distinct mark. 

Nowhere is the design ethos of this home as clear as in the open-plan kitchen and living space. Surrounded by expansive windows, an impressive stone-clad fireplace takes centre stage, while a cleverly sunken lounge brings residents to the same level as the earth outside, which has the compelling effect of drawing nature in. In fact, this was something that interior designer Lisa Luppino endeavoured to do in every aspect of Red Crest’s interiors — forging a strong connection between the home and its natural surroundings via meticulous materials and spaces that maximised the environment. 

“Simone Haag was brought in for the final styling and decorative touches, creating balance between the home’s mid century modern vibe and the contemporary requirements of its residents.”

Renowned interior expert Simone Haag was brought in for the final styling and decorative touches, creating balance between the home’s mid century modern vibe and the contemporary requirements of its residents. Through a selection of carefully sourced, vintage pieces (including a Morentz coffee table found in the Netherlands that mirrored the hues of the landscape, a shelving unit from eModerno that worked to showcase the owners’ records and curios, and a series of Japanese pendants), alongside a variety of new additions too, Haag was able to bring depth and personality to Red Crest’s array of spaces, elevating their material palette with a more curated, bespoke feel. Again, she also played on the idea of bringing the natural world inside via abundant foliage, used throughout the home to deepen its connection with its jaw-dropping setting. 

Ultimately, Red Crest House is a testament to the collaborative design effort that brought it to life. By honouring the land on which this home stands and celebrating its colours, textures and forms, the architects, designers and stylists have created a calm, cohesive residence that seamlessly integrates the built environment with nature. 

“Ultimately, Red Crest House is a testament to the collaborative design effort that brought it to life.”

From its clean, simple architecture to its warm, earthy interior to its perfectly put-together furnishings, all set against an Australian landscape that would stop anyone in their tracks, this home is an ode to the creative fusion of elements that, together, create a harmonious (and timeless) whole. Every aspect of this architectural masterpiece speaks to a reverence for nature and a commitment to creating spaces that resonate with warmth, authenticity and beauty, and one can only imagine the feeling of basking within this home’s transcendent beauty, as the setting sun casts a warm glow over the Dandenong Ranges.