Modern Rural – Farm House by Archier

As a modern homestead among a rural setting, Farm House recalibrates a connection with the land to create a robust and site-specific response focused on sustainable farming. Archier references traditional Australian outbuildings through a refined lens, ensuring the occupation of a growing family remains uncompromised despite its remoteness.

Once the existing bushland was cleared to make way for its propagation, an accompanying home was needed as an anchor for its residents. Familiar and seasoned farmers, the owners wanted to create a residence that both connected to the land and served their family. Exposed to the potential of inclement weather, and with little buffering due to the lack of landscape, the form needed to feel weighted and solid to provide a foundation for family life and respond to the site’s conditions. Archier and Kerry Smith Interior Design work together to ensure the resulting property captures the personalities within and communicates a relationship with place.

Exposed to the potential of inclement weather, and with little buffering due to the lack of landscape, the form needed to feel weighted and solid to provide a foundation for family life and respond to the site’s conditions.

Wanting to integrate sustainable initiatives into all elements of the farm, every comprising part and process of the residence also needed to align. Using stone from both the neighbouring farms and the site itself, the form celebrates its locality. Throughout, mechanisms are integrated to ensure energy and water efficiency, whilst orientation and openings allow the control of sunlight, heat and natural ventilation.

As a reprieve from the weather and supporting family life, a small garden space sits partly enclosed, acting as a pottering place and contrasting the surrounding farmland. On site, rock has naturally been pushed to the surface through the soil over time, and repurposing that key rudimentary element also drove the resulting palette. Adopting a natural approach, timber is used extensively to add texture and warmth, whilst the galvanised roof sheeting is a familiar sight on many farms in the area. Internally, a crisp and modern dwelling awaits, featuring a similar warmth to the exterior to create a calm place of shelter and recharge.

On site, rock has naturally been pushed to the surface through the soil over time, and repurposing that key rudimentary element also drove the resulting palette.

Taking inspiration and material notes from the surrounding context, Farm House is an expression of its location in the truest sense. Archier ensures the proposed form is befitting of its residents and will endure the years to come.