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Kiamba Valley Farmhouse is a project that both reimagines, and pays tribute to, original Queenslander homes.
Aspect Architecture designed the home for a family of six seeking a Queenslander-style home appropriate for their property in Kiamba, in the Sunshine Coast region.
The family desired the traditional features of a rural Queenslander — such as wraparound verandahs and high ceilings — in a more practical home that celebrates the land.
‘The family also required that the home facilitate a deep family connection, and places to connect with each other and their surrounds,’ says Matt Cooper, director of Aspect Architecture.
The size and needs of the family dictated a relatively large house, which Aspect Architecture ‘softened’ by breaking down the visual bulk throughout the design.
Matt explains, ‘We observed early on that many farmhouses were made up of a series of buildings and outhouses. We took this concept and based the project on a series of pavilions that were connected by bridges.’
The use of blackbutt timber also lessens the visual impact, allowing the house to sit within — and not on — the landscape.
‘The pavilions sit nestled into the hill and upon approaching the home it looks unassuming,’ says Matt. ‘It is only upon walking to the front door that the rest of the sprawling pavilions are revealed.’
Matt says the greatest challenge of the project was using traditional building techniques in order to construct timber Queenslander features and respect their hierarchy.
‘The traditional method of timber construction allows the assembled nature of the timber to be used to create rhythms throughout the home,’ he explains. ‘Rhythms such as the breakdown of timber posts along the verandah, to the breakdown of trims and timber detailing in smaller hallway areas, creates human scale and intimacy within the spaces.’
Achieving this level of detailing is a credit not only to Aspect Architecture, but the entire team on site.
‘With modern construction methods always evolving to reduce labour time, it was great to have the opportunity to go back to traditional construction methods that truly celebrated human craftsmanship and collaboration,’ Matt says.
‘The builders and tradespeople all commented that they had never built anything like it… The collective efforts result in a dwelling that assures longevity and human craft.’
Kiamba Valley Farmhouse has a suite of sustainable features, from cross-flow ventilation in all rooms, to rainwater harvesting, solar panels, vegetable gardens, and onsite sewage treatment. The addition of robust materials such as Zincalume steel and natural stone further protects the house from sun, rain, and wind.
Matt is extremely proud of the way his practice’s design responds to the past, to facilitate the present, and anticipate the future.
‘Beginning from the study of traditional farmhouse vernacular, and arriving at a completely unique design fit for modern living and future longevity, means this home has a place in its region for generations to enjoy,’ Matt says.
‘The consideration and approach to the home’s design is so embedded in the story of people and place that it will continue to serve and bring joy beyond our lifetime.’
