Sited on a vast 40-hectare property in rural Victoria, this project redefines rural living. Designed for farming enthusiasts, the house seamlessly merges modern comforts with sustainable design principles and innovative bushfire management strategies.

Inspired by the ultimate rural archetype, the barn, the house is comprised of a simple post and beam timber construction. Within this framework, solid modules made from recycled brick form cozy retreats for sleeping, living, guests and provide thermal comfort with their high building mass.
Strategically positioned greenhouses link the various areas with lush indoor gardens, seamlessly connect the indoors to the landscape and simultaneously serve as natural climate control systems. They harness solar energy for winter warmth and offer ventilation and shading in the blistering Australian summers.

Located in a high-risk bushfire zone, the house meets the highest safety standards with a retractable fire-resistant membrane. Built to offer full protection against heat and ember intrusion, it doubles as adjustable shading and turn the house into a climate-reactive tent-like structure.
The use of recycled and renewable materials, integrated water recycling, solar energy generation, waste management, and on-site food production reduces the ecological footprint and promotes self-sufficiency.

To match the tight building budget, simple prefabricated joinery modules house the essential utilities, minimizing construction costs and time while providing all the equipment and storage needed.

With a vision for future expansion, the modular design allows for seamless integration of additional functions like a bed and breakfast or farm facilities.
This holistic approach marries sustainability, aesthetics, and functionality, re-thinking rural living in Australia.

Could our urban development be truly citizen-led rather than being exploited as a mere investment tool?

Can first home buyers still find a place in the inner city?

Could we build houses to suit all generations?

Can we build cost effective without compromising on sustainability?

Can we preserve the qualities of our suburbs amidst the urgent need for higher densification to combat the housing crisis?

The Sundowner Syndicate, a case study for a multigenerational building cooperative, addresses all these questions. Located in Melbourne’s inner north, it fuses the experience and financial capacity of downsizing seniors with the dynamic of young first-time buyers.

The design maximises the potentials of the site within the confines of the building code. Maximum building heights, setbacks, car parking requirements and overshadowing are all limiting factors. By making use of the slightly sloping site, we were able to integrate an additional lowered, semi- submerged split level and underground parking. This enabled a total of 6 separate units, housing 14 individuals within a standard 600sqm block. The significantly reduced property cost per unit makes the project accessible for low-income earners, fostering an inclusive and cohesive community.

The buildings Layout is arranged around the sun exposure and ensures optimal lighting and solar heat gains for every unit. Gardens, terraces, and extra wide balconies ensure a generous & secluded private open space for all residents. A modular building system not only ensures predictable and efficient construction but unlocks its full potential in the future by offering complete flexibility to modify floorplan layouts, combine units, and adapt to evolving needs and new residents.

The building’s shared facilities extend seamlessly from the street-facing area into the open front yard, blurring the boundaries between public and private spaces. This integration of communal activities with the neighbourhood’s street life fosters a sense of community, making the house a vibrant part of the larger neighbourhood fabric.

The vision is to cultivate a like-minded, multigenerational community and empower people to take control of their housing choices. To take control of the location, the design, the quality and costs of their future homes. And to do all of this more affordably than conventional developments.

Developed together with placeformspace & Property Collectives.

Central to the redesign is a courtyard that floods the interiors with natural light and fresh air, effectively dividing the home into distinct zones. This thoughtful zoning caters to the evolving dynamics of family life, delineating spaces for kids, parents, and shared areas. Upstairs, the new master bedroom is discreetly tucked behind a newly added study, ensuring privacy and offering a serene retreat complete with an open-air bathtub.

Externally, the house is enveloped in a semi-transparent metal mesh, not only regulating sun exposure but also complying with council regulations regarding privacy between neighbouring properties. This mesh creates a captivating interplay of light and shadow, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.

The Renovation & Extension of this Workers Cottage is a testament to thoughtful design, seamlessly merging heritage charm with contemporary living for a harmonious and functional family home in Melbourne.