Project Overview

Nestled within the lush acres of Chirnside Park, stands the Woorarra house, overlooking the stunning views of the rolling hills and greenery. Melding timeless elegance with the contemporary, the existing farmhouse was meticulously transformed into a spacious home featuring an open plan to invite breathtaking panoramic views. Every aspect of Woorarra House has been carefully considered to create a unified connection with the surrounds, with a focus on capturing the compelling vistas of the surrounding natural scenery. From the clean, sleek lines of the modern portal frame to the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, the Woorarra House creates an unrivalled setting for tranquil living.

Project Commissioner

Private Client

Project Creator

Rptecture Architects

Project Brief

Requiring renovation of the existing dwelling, our client desired a retreat for their family tailored to suit their well-travelled lifestyle. To fulfill their vision, the design needed to retain aspects of the original farmhouse, while integrating modern amenities to transform it into a luxurious and modern dwelling. Our design was driven by the fundamental concept of capturing the magnificent vistas of the surrounding landscape, a challenge that was intensified by the original homestead's lack of northern views. Seeking a lifestyle property that would blend in well with the wineries of the Yarra Valley, the desire to maintain a cohesive aesthetic drove our design through material choices and meticulous design planning. These constraints contributed to the creation of a stunning lifestyle property that exudes a cohesive aesthetic, perfectly marrying the charm of the original farmhouse with modern luxury living.

Project Innovation/Need

At the heart of the Woorarra house lies the central portal frame structure, inspired by a traditional barn house to create a spacious open living room with an expansive glazed north face and grand cathedral ceiling to maximise the spectacular views and abundant natural lighting. Within the plan, a section of the veranda was deliberately opened up to usher in the landscape, uniting the Woorarra house and the surrounds. The living rooms, kitchen, and bedrooms were strategically oriented to exploit the panoramic views as the central theme of our design. As we aimed to maintain a harmonious visual appeal, we seamlessly integrated natural stone with Colorbond steel and a myriad of windows to ensure the residence captures the majestic vistas.

Design Challenge

The design challenges we faced were considerable, yet we were determined to create a luxury dwelling that would effortlessly blend modern living with the charm of traditional homesteads. Our first challenge was retaining the existing building footprint, which necessitated creative design solutions. We approached the project by transforming the traditional homestead into an extravagant lifestyle property through a new typology. To achieve this, we focused on capturing the breathtaking vistas of the natural surroundings by employing the concept of a modernized barn with a portal frame inspired by traditional barn houses, forming an integral part of the design. The concept of a modernised barn was employed to create a space that was open, airy, and filled with natural light, while still preserving its charm and character. The result was a picturesque property that was functional yet beautiful, a true masterpiece that exceeded our client's expectations.

Sustainability

The sustainable ethos behind the design of Woorarra House was carefully executed through a combination of thoughtful material selection and passive design principles. The focus was on creating timeless spaces that will endure for generations to come, striking the perfect balance between contemporary and classic design elements. Emphasis was placed on supporting local businesses. Material selection was key to achieving this, with locally sourced natural stone for the exterior feature wall and timber flooring to minimise transport and associated costs. Steel Colorbond cladding was chosen for the exterior due to its durability and ability to withstand the harsh outdoor elements.

To further enhance sustainability, the strategic orientation of the building prioritised the living, kitchen and bedroom spaces to be situated facing north, allowing for maximum absorption of the morning and afternoon sun. The implementation of shading devices such as eaves and vertical louvres helps to minimise solar gain from the west, while skylights maximise the use of natural lighting within the interiors. The thoughtful consideration of these factors culminates in a residence that not only prioritizes sustainability but also promotes a healthy living environment.