The brief for this house required that the building should work as a farmhouse, a weekender and yet be suitable as a permanent residence. The site is on a small spur overlooking the junction between a main valley and an intermittent tributary. Several structures existed onsite, an 1846 stone two room building, an interwar addition of six rooms, a derelict timber shed and an old dairy. The positioning of the new work is a direct result of climatic and siting issues. All living spaces look over the valley floor (and livestock), as well as open and roofed terraces. The existing stone building has been re roofed and this roof then projects to the west to frame the view across the valley, providing in turn a protected outdoor area. This section forms the night living spaces. The day living space projects to the North up the tributary valley. The bedroom

section is raised to step up the slope and projects via a large cantilever to the south, looking to the mountain ranges. Each of these three areas has it’s own distinct character. . Local materials and skills have been utilised throughout. The original 1840’s quarry is still evident nearby. The new stone was sourced by a stonemason from his own nearby property. Red Ironbark is common in this valley and this is probably why so many old dairies and sheds are still standing. The new timber used in the house is mainly red ironbark from a small local mill, used in an exposed manner, reinterpreting traditional methods. The 1846 stone building has been uncovered, restored and featured. The adjoining new work sits on a heavy base, linking with the stone outcrop beneath. From this base rises a light, timber, steel and glass structure with great sheltering eaves.