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.
Project Name: Woorarra House
Studio Name: Rptecture Architects
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Site Area: 163,872 Sq. m.
Built Up Area: 4000 Sq. m
Status: Built
Image Credits: Impress Photography
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. 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. The Woorarra house features a central portal frame structure at its heart, drawing inspiration from the traditional barn house.
Within this features a spacious open living room with a grand cathedral ceiling and an expansive glazed north face, offering spectacular views and abundant natural lighting. Seamlessly uniting the residence with its surroundings, a section of the veranda was intentionally opened up to usher in the landscape. The living rooms, kitchen, and bedrooms were strategically positioned to take advantage of the panoramic views, with the central theme of our design being to maintain a harmonious visual appeal. Natural stone was seamlessly integrated with Colorbond steel and a multitude of windows to ensure the property captures the majestic vistas. As a result, the Woorarra house embodies the perfect balance of form and function, effortlessly integrating with the natural environment to create a stunning and serene home.
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, with emphasis placed on supporting local businesses through material selection. Furthermore, 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.
