Merricks House by Aktis Architects – A Monumental Fusion of Nature and Materiality

Merricks House, designed by Aktis Architects, is a striking exploration of materiality, light, and landscape. Originally envisioned as partially submerged into the rising terrain, the design evolved into a bold architectural statement that embraces its rural surroundings rather than concealing them. With a monumental presence, the house asserts itself on the landscape with unapologetic strength, blending raw materials with precision structural design.

Architectural Concept

The building is composed of two interconnected raking roofs positioned above masonry volumes, forming a powerful yet elegant composition. The use of timber, stone, concrete, and steel throughout the interiors and exteriors reflects the client’s desire for natural, unrefined materials, creating a warm and tactile spatial experience. The design balances openness and protection, allowing expansive southern views of native vegetation while incorporating skylights and internal courtyards to maximize northern sunlight.

Site Response

Set on a predominantly flat site with a three-meter northern height difference, the house rises above the floodplain. Its orientation takes full advantage of native vegetation views and natural light, while the linear configuration of spaces eliminates unnecessary corridors, enhancing functional flow. A grid of structural columns anchors the building visually, contrasting with the surrounding landscape, and a colonnade of expansive windows bridges the interior and exterior seamlessly.

Interior Design & Materiality

Inside, the interiors echo the raw structural language, with timber finishes injecting warmth into spaces framed by concrete and steel. Living areas, bedrooms, and kitchens are bathed in natural light, courtesy of thoughtfully positioned skylights and courtyards. The interiors feel expansive yet intimately connected to nature, exemplifying a careful balance of raw materiality and human-centric design.

Landscape Integration

The surrounding landscape, curated by ACRE, enhances the house’s monumental aesthetic. Garden areas and outdoor spaces engage directly with the architecture, emphasizing the interplay between built form and natural context. The overall result is a house that stands firmly on its site while remaining visually and experientially connected to its environment.

Merricks House is a compelling example of modern rural architecture that merges material authenticity, light, and spatial innovation. Every element, from its structural clarity to its natural finishes, reflects a deliberate architectural philosophy that values both presence and integration with the landscape.

All Photographs are works of Timothy Kaye