This property in Kilmore, 50 mins north of Melbourne, takes inspiration from the colours of the surrounding landscape and responds to the expansive views of this working cattle farm.

Designed by modular housing specialists, Intermode, in collaboration with Carr Design, the house consists of two freestanding pavilions, linked by wide stepped timber stairs.

The brief to Intermode asked for a weekender that could later be used as a permanent residence. With children ranging from teenagers to young adults, the clients wanted defined areas and separate buildings for themselves and the children.

The project includes five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a master wing with en suite and study, large living areas, dining area, kitchen and cool room, a separate laundry and the kids pavilion.

Being so isolated the site also had to include large water tanks and on-site sewage treatment. “Although the program was extensive, the brief was simple: to create clean modern areas as a backdrop for a simple rural lifestyle,” say the architects.

With privacy not an issue in this remote location, the house has an entire wall of glazing – with sliding fully glazed doors in the bedrooms looking out onto the rural views. The en suite and main bathrooms also enjoy views of the landscape from the wet areas.

The black ply cladding of the buildings draws inspiration from the Black Angus cattle, while also complementing the tones of the surrounding landscape. White is used internally, creating an obvious contrast with the external cladding and opening the space up to the views beyond.

The architects note that the modular construction was largely achievable through the employment of a ‘spine wall’ running the entire length of the rear wall, which houses services and the majority of the home’s internal and external storage.

The project was completed on schedule in December last year, taking just 12 months for design, documentation, town planning and construction.

intermode.com.au

Photography: Derek Swalwell

*** UPDATE ***

OPEN WEEKEND

Intermode will be holding an Open Weekend at their Anglesea house project from Saturday 14 March – Sunday 15th March 2009, 11 am – 4 pm.

Address
14 Minifie Avenue, Anglesea, Victoria

Download the details here (940KB)