A start

March 2005.

Five years ago I first saw the farm that is to now eventually become Moonlight Head. The vision to build a first class luxury hotel and houses in a semi wilderness location on the Great Ocean road remains.

When I started at the age of 37 (now 42) and Glenn Murcutt and Wendy Lewin agreed to undertake this commission, I never thought, and I am sure Glenn & Wendy did not think that we where about to embark on a 10 year project. I knew it would be their largest project when built but did not think that the process this undertaking would pass through could make the transition from vision to reality such a long journey, my family did not think so.

Personally, two of Glenn’s quotes continual circulate in my mind as reminders to me of the continual need to follow Glenn and Wendy’s instinct in the design process for a building which are “for every good building you need a good client” and that “an architect is only as good as their last building” Whilst my experience as the client of an architect is restricted, I certainly have strived to be an objective client who contributes to the process of design from which a great building should evolve.

Now after a significant capital investment in intellectual property I am finally expecting to start working with a local builder on the first Murcutt/Lewin house, due for completion in November of this year.

Initiating construction of the first house represents the transition from the intangible vision to the tangible. The landscape that the first of these five house is to placed is a beautiful place, private, tranquil, where weather fronts pass quickly through. A place where you can relax, listen to the chatter of the bush whilst staring at a sky absent of any jet trails. This linear house, orientated to capture the Northern light, whilst maximising privacy and views to the bush and the ocean, looks on plan an awe inspiring place to habitat, truly blessed as it rises from the ground with its sense of place. Now that journey of construction when I next update this blog will I hope have started.

Please do not hesistate to ask any questions or visit www.moonlighthead.com

Mark