A Considered New Layer – Federal by Studio George

Adding a new layer to an existing homestead, Federal sees a refreshing touch transform the existing into a contemporary home, dotted with the memory of its past. Studio George draws on the home’s original European influence to propose a series of alterations that connect both internally and beyond.

Set amongst the enviable and remote Byron Bay hinterland, Federal was originally designed by Ron Johnson. Studio George transforms its interiors through a considered and contemporary lens, drawing on French homestead stylings and combining a rustic, rural approach together with formalised planning. A raw and honest expression of its parts is seen through the select materiality, which is then enhanced with the new works, further emphasising a textural and natural feel. Set across 10 acres, the generous home affords a true immersion in place, amongst the lushly vegetated surrounds with curated views outward. Studio George focuses on responding to the setting, while crisply elevating opportunities of engagement with the home.

A raw and honest expression of its parts is seen through the select materiality, which is then enhanced with the new works, further emphasising a textural and natural feel.

Built by Brian Kilbane, the new works encompass a complete reworking of the entire interiors of the home proper, while also revitalising the barn structure to connect with a sense of purpose and intent. Bringing the same charm and connection to detail across all of the spaces creates a balance to the laid back and removed nature in how each of the spaces connect to its rural setting. Although reminiscent of familiar cues to farm life, through detailing and an elevated approach the experience is deliberately contemporary, while feeling of another era. Natural textures and textiles layer into each of the spaces, emphasised by the use of timber, for example, to add warmth and heft.

Prior to the new alterations, the barn was a disconnected form of its own. Through a new focus, it emerges as a one-bedroom self-contained unit that is an extension of the home while sitting separate. Retaining the existing character of the home was an integral component of the brief, and incorporating these features in amongst the new was an important part of the story of the home. With the exposed timber beams set in contrast to the white painted plaster walls and ceilings and barn-style timber doors and windows open to the surrounds, the rural connection remains strong.

Although reminiscent of familiar cues to farm life, through detailing and an elevated approach the experience is deliberately contemporary, while feeling of another era.

As a sanctuary to escape to, Studio George’s Federal is an embrace of place that carefully brings together references to time and to its context, ensuing calm.