Sitting on the cosy deck of this eco-friendly and close to nature home, there is hardly a breath of wind. It’s quiet and calm. There are views to the national park beyond and agricultural buildings in the distance. Looking out at the leafy landscape, you can almost imagine the heady excitement of those seeking their fortune in the 1850s. The town of Chewton was one of the earliest towns established during the gold rush era. Some buildings in the district still remain from the gold rush heyday and there are also deep indigenous roots in the region.
The three-bedroom two-bathroom dwelling is home to young professionals James and Zara and their greyhound Nel. “It was inspired by the local vernacular architecture, particularly the humble agricultural buildings that define the central Victorian landscape,” says designer David Noordhoff.
The couple relocated from suburban Melbourne. “They sought a place to lay down roots and establish themselves in a more tranquil environment,” shares David. The home has open-plan living and a dedicated workspace for James. The design and layout connect living spaces to the leafy natural landscape.
During planning and design, David says there was one main objective: “Ultimately, the goal was to establish a welcoming environment that encourages relaxation and fosters connections with both nature and family life.” According to David, it was also important to the homeowners that their house integrate harmoniously with its surrounding narrative. “They favoured local materials and architectural styles that honoured the area’s agricultural heritage,” he explains.
Materials such as spotted gum cladding and Colorbond steel in Woodland Grey were used to integrate the home into its local environment, as well as complying with the bushfire attack level rating (BAL 29).
The project did come with its share of challenges, including historical protection regulations that weighed in on the design process, and with Covid, there were also material shortages during construction.
the home to sit comfortably in the landscape
David notes the couple also sought a design that would provide comfortable living conditions year-round, minimising energy costs. “Additionally, addressing noise from the road adjacent to the property was crucial to creating a tranquil living environment,” he adds.
By today’s standards, this house was constructed with a modest budget. Thanks to thoughtful measured design as well as materiality, it delivers on functionality, form and aesthetics. Inspired by nature’s palette of warm earthy tones, it’s understated with a subtle charm. This is a family dwelling with design flexibility to allow it to evolve over time, as needs change.
David’s favourite part of the space is the window seat next to the fireplace, a cosy nook that invites you to curl up on a chilly winter day with a cup of coffee. The expansive windows connect you to the exterior landscape. “This intimate corner embodies the spirit of the home, offering a warm and inviting retreat where you can relax and appreciate nature throughout the seasons,” he says.
As the long hot days of summer flow into the cooler autumn and winter months, temperatures begin to fall, sometimes dramatically. It is an area of temperature extremes, with chilly winters and scorching summers. The home is responsive to its environment. The pitched roof lines capture the warming winter sun’s rays and offer cool respite from the hot summer sun.
David explains these construction techniques enhance insulation, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. “This approach not only improves energy efficiency, but also ensures a comfortable living environment despite the extreme climate,” he notes.
The project was a meeting of minds between homeowners, builder and architect. “I collaborated extensively with James and Zara to ensure their vision and needs remained at the forefront of the design,” says David. “VR Builders provided valuable advice and guidance, helping to keep the project on budget while ensuring it was practical and straightforward to construct.”
Unlike most projects, the architect actually had an opportunity to test drive the house. His family lived in the completed home for three months, housesitting for the owners while they went overseas. “Living in the space allowed me to ‘road test’ the design in real life, providing valuable insights and enjoyable experiences,” David says. “This experience not only deepened my connection to the project, but also created lasting memories for my family as we cherished our time in this special place.”
