Double Happiness

by GLOW design group

The house was designed to blend with the surrounding corrugated sheds, but also to feel like a home. The design process was that of testing ideas and feedback from the clients. We were requested design for high rainfall, to maximise views and for comfort in what is for most of the year cold conditions. We were also asked to use local products where possible.


The design lined up various viewpoints on the land, but also needed to consider additional Northern solar gains.


We needed to also design around the client’s lifestyle, family and the elements of living on the land. This meant a wet entry was required, a space to sit down and remove the boots and enter via the laundry. The ability to cook and run kitchen workshops around a large island bench was very important and having a client area of the house on entry which would keep the living areas private when required.

The house was designed to blend with the surrounding corrugated sheds, but also to feel like a home. The design process was that of testing ideas and feedback from the clients. We were requested design for high rainfall, to maximise views and for comfort in what is for most of the year cold conditions. We were also asked to use local products where possible.


The design lined up various viewpoints on the land, but also needed to consider additional Northern solar gains.


We needed to also design around the client’s lifestyle, family and the elements of living on the land. This meant a wet entry was required, a space to sit down and remove the boots and enter via the laundry. The ability to cook and run kitchen workshops around a large island bench was very important and having a client area of the house on entry which would keep the living areas private when required.

From the Designer

Clients for the Macedon house contacted us requesting we design a contemporary farmhouse which was energy efficient and took advantage of the farm location.

The house was designed to blend with the surrounding corrugated sheds, but also to feel like a home. The design process was that of testing ideas and feedback from the clients. We were requested design for high rainfall, to maximise views and for comfort in what is for most of the year cold conditions. We were also asked to use local products where possible.


The design lined up various viewpoints on the land, but also needed to consider additional Northern solar gains.


We needed to also design around the client’s lifestyle, family and the elements of living on the land. This meant a wet entry was required, a space to sit down and remove the boots and enter via the laundry. The ability to cook and run kitchen workshops around a large island bench was very important and having a client area of the house on entry which would keep the living areas private when required.

The house we came up with is very comfortable, thermally efficient and makes good use of its position on the land. The clients have found the build process smooth and the house functions as planned. Many recycled materials local trades and craftspeople have been used on the build. Use of these local products also beds it down in the landscape.

The name Double Happiness responds to the client’s business, Big Bowl of Happy and the twin peaks of the house design. This also takes in Chinese tradition of joy, also a rather good bar in Melbourne.

From the Designer

Clients for the Macedon house contacted us requesting we design a contemporary farmhouse which was energy efficient and took advantage of the farm location.

The house was designed to blend with the surrounding corrugated sheds, but also to feel like a home. The design process was that of testing ideas and feedback from the clients. We were requested design for high rainfall, to maximise views and for comfort in what is for most of the year cold conditions. We were also asked to use local products where possible.

The design lined up various viewpoints on the land, but also needed to consider additional Northern solar gains.

We needed to also design around the client’s lifestyle, family and the elements of living on the land. This meant a wet entry was required, a space to sit down and remove the boots and enter via the laundry. The ability to cook and run kitchen workshops around a large island bench was very important and having a client area of the house on entry which would keep the living areas private when required.

The house we came up with is very comfortable, thermally efficient and makes good use of its position on the land. The clients have found the build process smooth and the house functions as planned. Many recycled materials local trades and craftspeople have been used on the build. Use of these local products also beds it down in the landscape.

The name Double Happiness responds to the client’s business, Big Bowl of Happy and the twin peaks of the house design. This also takes in Chinese tradition of joy, also a rather good bar in Melbourne.