New South Wales
Located in Armidale, this residence has farmhouse simplicity. The design includes two opposing structures with a connecting glass corridor. The buildings are centred around a private internal courtyard that brings light into all areas of the house. Designed for a retired couple relocating from the working farm to town, the house has a distinct sense of privacy and calm.
The interiors and the garden interact with framed views through steel windows and doors. In a town with great fluctuations in temperature, thick deciduous landscaping creates screening and shade in the summer and lets warmth into the interiors in the winter. The house is characterised by textural materials of brick walls and pavers and interiors with natural stone, timber floors and painted wall panelling.
When we started the project, we weren’t sure if this new house would be a place to stay when in town or our new forever home. Such a big relocation after so many years with so many memories is very difficult to anticipate.
As the house was taking shape it became clear that it was going to transform our lives. It captured us in a town setting. It was the clincher that triggered the decision to make the move.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
