Calm and Crisp – Little Cottage by Akin Atelier

As a modern insertion among its rural setting, Little Cottage reinterprets the traditional farmhouse as a clean and minimal series of volumes. Akin Atelier proposes a crisply contrasting addition to the surrounding landscape, combining a sense of restraint and modesty with an encouraging quiet calm.

Located in the Southern Highlands of NSW, Little Cottage is a refreshing insertion in the landscape. Despite its raw and natural surrounds, the new forms take occupation across the site as a replacement to the weatherboard structure in ill repair. In remaining considered and connected to the natural elements, the addition sits low and lean across the site. The surrounding and generous decking becomes a place of contemplation, allowing for immersion within the elements whilst providing coverage. Akin Atelier adopts a contemporary approach to the farmhouse typology in creating a calming rural retreat.

Akin Atelier adopts a contemporary approach to the farmhouse typology in creating a calming rural retreat.

Encompassing the structure’s clear and defined form and its accompanying shed structure, the immediate landscape plays a vital role as the connective tissue for movement. Little Cottage uses light tones to complement the deeper greens of the surrounds – the resulting contrast allows both to be showcased without competition. A selection of muted finishes flow from the inside out, encasing both the exterior and interior to reinforce a cohesive subdued approach to palette.

As distinct forms, the home’s volumes speak to the indoor-outdoor nature of rural design. Whilst the main house encloses two bedrooms and a combined living area, its expansive and encircling deck provides an additional living area open to the natural elements. To the rear of the main house sits a self-contained shed structure. With its expressed gabled roof form, the feeling internally differs from the main house ¬– instead focusing on the and inward experience and creating an atmosphere of seclusion.

As distinct forms, the home’s volumes speak to the indoor-outdoor nature of rural design.

Emphasised using a light and textured palette, Little Cottage is made to feel generous, welcoming and refined. Akin Atelier uses the landscape as inspiration in proposing quality and considered forms that elevate the traditional rural experience.