Birregurra House

Drawing upon the logic of an Australian rural vernacular, this project is defined by its simplicity. Its value is not derived from layered meaning or referential concepts, it deals instead with the more fundamental principles of architecture; environment and shelter.

The site is located just outside of Birregurra, on a grassy plain surrounded by sheep grazing paddocks. Mature trees line the horizon in the distance as the site slopes down to a dam and valley. In this part of Victoria, the sky is vast, and the winds are strong. Protection and relief from the exposed, and sometimes harsh, conditions were important considerations for this project.

Our approach draws upon the logic of the Australian ‘slab hut’; an 1800’s dwelling typical of rural areas. The rectangular plan, pitched roof and clip-on verandah was – and still is – a climatically appropriate, efficient and economical way to build. These concerns (efficiency, buildability, and the availability of materials) remain relevant today and are well aligned with the client’s interest in sustainability and local produce.

The design takes the profile of this rural typology and extrudes it along the contours of the site. The roof line and pure east-west orientation of the house allow for control of the summer sun and ingress of the winter sun. The prominent brick fireplace and concrete slab have been designed to store heat and regulate temperature within the house. Windows to the north and south to capture views of the valley and facilitate cross-flow ventilation. The 37m stretch of north facing roof provides substantial capacity for solar gain, facilitating the client’s future goals for off-the-grid living.

The extruded plan is composed of a series of modular components. Proprietary pine trusses make up three-quarters of the roof structure, allowing the more expensive LVL to be contained to the kitchen and living areas. Silver Top Ash from Gippsland forms the cladding, wall lining and posts that line the verandah, a material selected for its minimal cartage distance to the site. The repeated post elements provides a sense of rhythm and order in which to read the natural backdrop of the farm.

In referencing an Australian rural vernacular, we were able to imbue the project with a sense of genericness; a level of anonymity that suited the client’s brief. From the nearby road, this house is not obviously new or expressive of a particular Architect, it speaks more of longevity and the environment in which it is sits. Devoid of external references/concepts, what is left to appreciate are the most basic comforts of a building; The shade of an eave, shelter from the winds, the warmth of material, the water a roof can catch or the sun it can harvest.

This building allows you to see everything outside of it, a true background building.