The Woorarra House renovation project embarked on a journey to transform an existing farmhouse into a luxurious family retreat, blending the charm of the original structure with modern amenities. Located in the picturesque Yarra Valley, the design aimed to capture breath taking vistas, harmonise with the surrounding wineries, and achieve a cohesive aesthetic. The central challenge was to balance the preservation of the traditional homestead feel with the integration of contemporary design elements.
Rptecture Architects is proud to announce Woorarra House has won three prestigious awards - 2023 Built Design Awards, 2023 International Design Awards Bronze, 2023 Melbourne Design Awards Gold.
How were the design challenges of Woorarra House addressed?
Our first challenge was retaining the existing building footprint, which necessitated creative design solutions. We approached the project by transforming the traditional homestead into an extravagant lifestyle property through a new typology. To achieve this, we focused on capturing the breath taking vistas of the natural surroundings by employing the concept of a modernized barn with a portal frame inspired by traditional barn houses, forming an integral part of the design. The concept of a modernised barn was employed to create a space that was open, airy, and filled with natural light, while still preserving its charm and character. The result was a picturesque property that was functional yet beautiful, a true masterpiece that exceeded our client's expectations.
What are the sustainability features of Woorarra House?
The sustainable ethos behind the design of Woorarra House was carefully executed through a combination of thoughtful material selection and passive design principles. The focus was on creating timeless spaces that will endure for generations to come, striking the perfect balance between contemporary and classic design elements. Emphasis was placed on supporting local businesses. Material selection was key to achieving this, with locally sourced natural stone for the exterior feature wall and timber flooring to minimise transport and associated costs. Steel Colorbond cladding was chosen for the exterior due to its durability and ability to withstand the harsh outdoor elements.
To further enhance sustainability, the strategic orientation of the building prioritised the living, kitchen and bedroom spaces to be situated facing north, allowing for maximum absorption of the morning and afternoon sun. The implementation of shading devices such as eaves and vertical louvres helps to minimise solar gain from the west, while skylights maximise the use of natural lighting within the interiors. The thoughtful consideration of these factors culminates in a residence that not only prioritizes sustainability but also promotes a healthy living environment.
What was the design thinking and concept behind Woorarra House?
The Woorarra house features a central portal frame structure at its heart, drawing inspiration from the traditional barn house. Within this features a spacious open living room with a grand cathedral ceiling and an expansive glazed north face, offering spectacular views and abundant natural lighting. Seamlessly uniting the residence with its surroundings, a section of the veranda was intentionally opened up to usher in the landscape. The living rooms, kitchen, and bedrooms were strategically positioned to take advantage of the panoramic views, with the central theme of our design being to maintain a harmonious visual appeal. Natural stone was seamlessly integrated with Colorbond steel and a multitude of windows to ensure the property captures the majestic vistas. As a result, the Woorarra house embodies the perfect balance of form and function, effortlessly integrating with the natural environment to create a stunning and serene home.
What was the brief behind Woorarra House?
The Woorarra House renovation project embarked on a journey to transform an existing farmhouse into a luxurious family retreat, blending the charm of the original structure with modern amenities. Located in the picturesque Yarra Valley, the design aimed to capture breathtaking vistas, harmonize with the surrounding wineries, and achieve a cohesive aesthetic. A central challenge was to balance the preservation of the traditional homestead feel with the integration of contemporary design elements.
