Morgan Shack, Murray River

Clean, sharp, light-filled spaces enable a relaxed lifestyle in a home away from home 

Australian Institute of Architects, Commendation (Residential Architecture, Houses), 2011

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Four thousand square metres of eucalypt-studded land fronting the River Murray demanded a house-shaped by its quintessentially Australian location. Stretching almost 40m along the riverfront, the Tectvs designed Morgan Shack presents as a viewing platform of two equal-sized wings separated by a central entrance. 

The design solution features a ‘adult’ wing comprised large open kitchen/dining/living area, a master bedroom suite, and four guest bedrooms and bathroom. The ‘children’ wing was a mirror image of bedrooms and living space. The steel, glass and eco-ply profile draws its colour palette from the surrounding landscape and vegetation. The architecture features a series of ‘holes’ or openings which form viewing portals, ensuring the river and environs are ever-present elements of the home, whether inside or out. Morgan Shack is a river retreat that enables a relaxed lifestyle in a home away from home. 

The whole project exceeded expectations. From talks, to design, to build, Morgan Shack moved seamlessly from the page, culminating in a highly successful and rewarding outcome.