Considered Regeneration – House in the Dry by MRTN Architects
Focused on regeneration, House in the Dry sees the transformation of previous grazing pastures into an efficient and immersive home. Crafting a residence surrounded by reintroduced native species, MRTN Architects draws inspiration from the traditional, rural vernacular to ensure the response to place sits appropriately within the landscape.
During its previous farmland occupation, the landscape underwent a loss of native vegetation and fauna. In an effort to regenerate the land, House in the Dry sits positioned for a thoughtful and rigorously involved approach. Considering the usual typology of rural architecture and access to amenity, the result is a self-sufficient home that replenishes the land instead of taking from it. MRTN Architects proposes a form inspired by rural Australia and reactivates the landscape through the planting of flora previously indigenous to the site.
Whilst the home itself is generous, a large and encompassing roof form spans each of the closed and open spaces. Sitting within such an expansive landscape, ensuring the structure sat respectfully in, yet not dwarfed by, the surrounds was key. Beneath the roof sits both connecting walkaways and more enclosed spaces, ensuring the newly planted surrounds are not affected by moving through the home. Situated within such extreme drought conditions in Tamworth, the existing grazing farmland was revived in collaboration with SBLA Studio, which saw the immediate landscape reinstated with a collection of native plantings.
Circling a central and protected inner courtyard space, the form comes together with a palette of materials fit for the rural landscape. Timber clads the external walls, with corrugated iron sheeting overhead that echoes the gabled-formed silhouette of nearby buildings. What differentiates this offering from other structures are the details. Oriented to optimise solar gains and active ventilation throughout the day, the dedicated outdoor areas encourage a flow of movement that engages with the landscape. The interior resembles a more urban offering, with painted plaster walls and crisp, modern finishes.
House in the Dry comes together as a welcomed addition, drawing musings from the area whilst ensuring a binding contemporary refinement. With a commitment to the site beyond the build form, MRTN Architects ensures a reinvigoration of the landscape to both serve the environment and structure.
