Glenn Murcutt, a Pritzker Prize-winning architect, designed the Magney House, also called the Bingie Farm, it was created to capture the sunlight, take advantage of the stunning surrounding views, and be a perfect retreat for Murcutt’s adventurous clients.
The home was built between 1982 and 1984 in Bingie Point, Moruya on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia and features almost unbeatable Australian coastline views.
The Magney House has a unique design with two mirror images for the eastern and western sides. The two sides are connected by a communal courtyard, which includes a gas BBQ, for easy outdoor cooking.
The Eastern Side
Both sides appear the same from the outside, but once you enter the home, the differences become apparent. The Eastern side includes a master bedroom, bathroom, private study, and the main kitchen. There is a gas fireplace, along with a gas cook top, a fridge, microwave, and oven.
The Western Side
While the master bedroom is found on the Eastern Side of the home, the Western Side includes the other sleeping areas. There are three additional bedrooms on this side, along with a bathroom, a second kitchen, and a second living area.
A House Designed for Climate and Site
The Magney House was specifically designed for the site and crafted for the climate in the region. The unique shape of the home includes the ability to be opened for better solar angles while remaining closed for the specific weather. It’s designed to offer a windbreak from the southern winds, as well.
The roofline offers one of the most iconic ever created. But it is much more than just an iconic design, but a practical one as well. A water catchment system was designed into the roof with a water service spine. This, plus the solar elements of the home, make it a very sustainable building. Still, the design aesthetic was not sacrificed when including these features.
Giving the Clients What They Wanted
When this home was designed, the clients already owned the land and had been using it for camping throughout the year. They desired a lightweight structure, similar to a tent that fits into the natural habitat. The clients also wanted a simple floor plan with two separate areas. The home’s design was inspired by shipping containers with a long and narrow floor plan.
One of the most amazing features of the home isn’t a feature of the actual house itself, but of the surrounding environment. The ocean views are incredible and provide absolutely breath-taking vistas year round.
The Location and Space
Found on 33 hectares, or 81.5 acres, the Magney House borders the Eurobodalla National Park. A challenging landscape for a comfortable home, this location is battered by coastal winds that dictate the daily temperatures. Summers average around 68 degrees Fahrenheit, while winters vary between the low 40’s to high 50’s.
Perhaps due to the relatively rugged landscape or to the remoteness of this location, there is little marring the landscape around the home. This pristine location allows the home to exploit the northern light while increasing the beautiful views. The overall design captures the incredible views of the mountains in the distance, the surrounding beaches, and even a nearby lake.
If this sounds like a dream vacation spot to you, you’re in luck! Today, the home can actually be rented. It includes 2,600 square feet with four bedrooms and seven total beds including two queen beds and two bunk beds. The views and its unique history make it one of the most popular vacation rentals in Bingie, NSW, Australia.