Rural Refinement – Walker Farm by Marc & Co and The Designory

Words by Bronwyn Marshall
Architecture by Marc & Co
Photography by Andy Macpherson
Interior Design by The Designory
Styling by The Designory

Immersed among dairy farms in the Byron Bay Hinterland, Walker Farm combines nods to traditional rural life with a refined contemporary approach. Together with The Designory, Marc & Co carefully responds to the unique site through a respectful consideration of context, optimising views of the surrounding landscape.

Located in Myocum, Walker Farm embeds its owners within an enviable and lush rural setting, seeing the sloping terrain help in crafting the experience within. Setting the architectural tone from the outset, the entry to the home is shaped by the formation of three distinct buildings that also aid the creation of an open courtyard. The arrival into these structures is reminiscent of a working farm, with multiple outbuildings connected by an open outdoor space. Furthermore, the structure is completely off-grid, operating sensitively to the surrounds with integrated energy capture and water management. Together, Marc & Co and The Designory craft a home that sits comfortably in its context, reflective and calm.

Encasing the home in warmth, the forms are wrapped in timber as an expression of place and locality.

Built by Sanctuary 28, each of the project’s pavilions are oriented to optimise views outward, having as little impact on the terrain below as possible. Combining ideas around shelter and refuge, the home is a place to watch the landscape change across the seasons, with enhanced views out through generous glazing. One pavilion houses the garage and parking, a second acts as an open and connected living zone, and the third contains the private areas of the home. The design of the residence incites an intuitive journey whilst connecting to the surrounds through shape and materiality.

Encasing the home in warmth, the forms are wrapped in timber as an expression of place and locality. Internally, a similar connection to the surrounds sees the ceiling and flooring link through a shared materiality of timber, framing views outward and adding a welcomed internal natural texture. The extended roofing design allows for covered outdoor living, encouraging engagement with the landscape whilst being protected from the elements. At the heart of the home is a want to exist in harmony with the surrounds, both in the tones of the home itself and how it blends into the landscape.

The design of the residence incites an intuitive journey whilst connecting to the surrounds through shape and materiality.

Walker Farm combines a textural and open approach to allow the owners to live simply on the land. Marc & Co and The Designory have created a unique place of calm that seamlessly connects to the surrounding context, providing the epitome of rural living.