Binnum Homestead by Alexandra Buchanan Architecture

Binnum Homestead’s latest chapter is one of careful intervention. Alexandra Buchanan Architecture introduces a barn-like addition that deepens the connection between past and present.

Set within rolling hills overlooking the Condamine River, the homestead carries a strong sense of place. Originally built as a working farmstead in 1884, its deep verandahs and solid sandstone construction reflect a time when homes were designed for durability and shelter. Rather than impose upon this history, the new addition extends it – both physically and conceptually – through a refined response that respects the past while introducing a distinctly contemporary rhythm.

Thoughtfully reconfigured, the original dwelling now functions as a series of retreat-like spaces.

The brief called for a functional expansion that would increase liveability without compromising the original home’s character. The solution takes shape as a separate barn-inspired volume, its steeply pitched roof and corrugated iron cladding drawing from the region’s rural vernacular. Connected to the main residence by discreet transitional spaces, the new wing retains the homestead’s visual prominence while forging a complementary dialogue between old and new.

Internally, materiality bridges past and present. Timber panelling creates a warm, tactile backdrop, its height aligning with the sandstone walls to establish a continuous datum that ties the spaces together. Generous glazing frames the landscape, reinforcing the homestead’s connection to its setting, while soft natural tones heighten the sense of calm. Thoughtfully reconfigured, the original dwelling now functions as a series of retreat-like spaces, offering moments of quiet reflection in contrast to the expansive, open-plan addition.

From the exterior, the interplay between timber, steel and glass lends depth and variation.

Despite its separation in form, the extension is anything but detached. The barn-like structure leans into its agricultural references without feeling rustic, offering a refined take on rural architecture that is both grounded and enduring. From the exterior, the interplay between timber, steel and glass lends depth and variation, allowing the structure to sit comfortably within its surroundings while maintaining a distinct identity.

For the owners, the ambition was clear: to retain the home’s historical significance while ensuring it remains a practical and inviting retreat for generations to come. Through carefully considered design moves, Alexandra Buchanan Architecture has achieved exactly that – crafting an addition that enhances rather than competes.

Binnum Homestead now stands as a measured response to rural adaptation – one that prioritises longevity, craftsmanship and an enduring sense of place.

Binnum Homestead now stands as a measured response to rural adaptation – one that prioritises longevity, craftsmanship and an enduring sense of place. Past and present coalesce seamlessly here, proving that heritage and contemporary living need not be at odds but can instead enrich one another.

Architecture and interior design by Alexandra Buchanan Architecture. Build by Mark Winter Constructions. Landscape design by ECRU Landscape Architecture & Design Studio. Appliances by Fisher & Paykel. Paint by Dulux.