Belle Magazine | Barn Dance

Mornington Peninsula. What was the client’s brief? Abe McCarthy: We had worked with our client, a couple with a growing family, on two prior residential renovations. The essence of the idea of a dream home for them, a new build on the Flinders site, was conceived some years ago. Work began on an initial concept in 2013 to a brief centred on the creation of a family farmhouse that interwove rustic rural living with modern refinement. What were the challenges of the site and how did you resolve them? AM: The undulating site presented broad scope for positioning the building. The formal expression of three connected barn forms nestled in the landscape was a direct engagement with the rhythm of nature. As the chosen site was an open paddock, the design response needed to engage with views in all directions. The design does not have a front or back as all elevations are composed to afford framed views from and towards the building. Are there any particular considerations when designing a home in a regional setting such as this? AM: The home offers seclusion in its siting and is revealed on approach down a long driveway. Its off-grid character gave rise to several initiatives. Heating is generated by a wood-pellet boiler and log fireplaces. Solar panels provide electricity. Rainwater storage is spread over multiple tanks to address domestic needs »

This page A bronze-finish Articolo ‘Fizi’ four-ball pendant light illuminates the Gubi ‘Moon’ oak table from In Good Company with Poliform ‘Grace’ armchairs. ‘Memories’ rug from RC+D. Joinery by Fineform in black-stained Tasmanian oak with upper cabinets of blackened mild steel with an OX finish. Gubi ‘Coco’ stools from In Good Company at the kitchen island. Opposite page Interiors in Tasmanian oak from Abelwood and Western Australian limestone from Bruhn Limestone. Doors and windows stained with Sikkens black built by Kilburn Joinery. Curtains in Mokum hessian in Black Birch by D&C Design. ‘Bly’ easy chair from Coastal Living sits on the ‘Abyss’ split-stone pavers from Eco Outdoor.