Project description – brief

Our homeowners’ 1960s bungalow, nestled amongst mature trees and rolling hills, needed a transformation to suit their modern lifestyle.

The brief was to reimagine the house as a contemporary interpretation of a traditional farmhouse, blending rustic charm with modern conveniences.

The new design would incorporate spacious entertaining areas and separate sleeping wings to accommodate a growing family.

As the owners own a construction company, the house needed to serving as a living showcase for their craftsmanship and creativity.

Our aim was to create a home that maintained the essence of its rural setting while embracing modern design elements.

The reimagined farmhouse would offer the warmth and comfort of a traditional home, with the added benefits of contemporary design and technology, ensuring it remained a place the homeowners and their family would cherish for years to come.

Design features and creative solution

As part of this, we embarked on an ambitious transformation of the 1960s home, completely reimagining the floorplan to address the outdated layout while maximising the potential of the site.

We retained the existing bedroom wing and garage positions but repositioned all other areas to optimise natural light and capture expansive views.

The redesigned floorplan separates the master bedroom and living wing from the main bedroom wing, allowing for greater energy efficiency when the children eventually leave home.

To realise the new vision, we applied a pavilion-style architectural language, seamlessly integrating new construction with existing structures.

This approach transformed the house into a contemporary interpretation of the traditional farmhouse.

Sustainable vertical cedar weatherboards and plaster complement the Schist cladding, creating a balanced contrast that lends a unique character to the exterior.

The Schist has been used judiciously on key architectural features, adding drama and establishing a rhythmic visual flow.

The interior design echoes the exterior palette, with oak flooring, stainable timbers, and Schist stonework providing a warm and inviting ambiance.

Curated furniture and lighting selections contributed to a cohesive aesthetic, reinforcing the harmonious blend of modern and traditional influences.

The result is a transformative home that has fully delivered on our homeowners’ requirements for a forever home that features functionality, sustainability, and visual appeal.

Sustainability

Our homeowners embraced the opportunity to renovate the existing home, aiming to extend its lifespan by another 60 years.

Given the generally sound condition of the structure, any unusable elements were carefully removed and sent to reclamation yards to support the circular economy of building materials.

The existing structure was fully insulated, and we installed thermally broken double-glazed windows and doors with high-performance glass throughout for enhanced energy efficiency.

Incorporating passive solar design principles, we strategically placed windows, roof overhangs, and sun angles to maximise natural heating and cooling.

Large sliding doors and opening windows were installed to promote optimal cross-ventilation, ensuring the home remains comfortable throughout the seasons.