Leongatha
The fruits of the vine, the work of human hands…
Mark and Marianna, both winemakers and oenologists, commissioned us to design their new family home on their vineyard and farm in South Gippsland.
For years, they had cultivated their vines and winemaking facilities while living in Yarraville, gradually restoring native vegetation and creating wildlife corridors. Ready to relocate, they expressed a desire for a beautiful home with sweeping views of the rolling landscape.
Zoolander and Star Gazing!
Developing the brief for this house was a pleasure, as the clients brought unique and intriguing requirements. They wanted bedrooms and windows positioned to capture the arc of the Milky Way at night. They also referenced the Derek Zoolander “Derelicte” aesthetic, seeking a design that echoed the existing rusty corrugated sheds built from reclaimed railway steel. It had to be surrounded by herbs and edible plants for culinary use by the family.
Respect for the Land
A series of kitchen-table design discussions led to a home that blends naturally into its rural surroundings. With their deep commitment to organic production, permaculture, and sustainability, Passive House Standards and prefabricated Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) were clear choices. This construction method ensured rapid assembly, providing quick lock-up in an exposed, elevated location. The house and outbuildings needed to be off-grid, sustainable, and fire-resistant while supporting the practical functions of a working vineyard.
The spirit of the place – Genius Loci
To fully understand the site, we camped there, observing the sun’s path, breezes, and views. This process helped us select the ideal location—overlooking the dam, with natural shelter from southerly winds and convenient access to existing infrastructure.
Design influences
The resulting design is a low-slung form nestled behind a grove of native trees, overlooking the dam and hills beyond. The layout is influenced by the transportability and maneuverability of CLT modules, favoring simple orthogonal junctions and clean planar elements, visible in the roof eaves.
CLT panels, sourced from Europe via Bernward Buecheler in Macclesfield, SA, were assembled by the builder Dale Roberts of APHI Projects. The external walls were clad in a weather-resistant membrane, wood fiber insulation, and rust-colored sheeting, blending seamlessly with the soil and landscape—a nod to the “Derelicte” inspiration from aged farm sheds.
Inside, the exposed CLT, treated with natural oil, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, concealed only where necessary by tiles and cabinetry.
Reconnecting and Reflecting
In 2023, I had the pleasure of revisiting Mark and Marianna, now settled in for eight years. Their once-toddling children are now high schoolers who still stargaze from their beds. The herb and food gardens have flourished, integrating the home into the landscape.
At the same well-worn kitchen bench table where our early discussions took place, I once again enjoyed their warm hospitality—homegrown organic food paired with fine wines from Mount Macleod and Caledonia Australis.
Hearing how delighted they are with their comfortable, high-performing off-grid home was a true reward. I raise a toast to their continued happiness, health, and prosperity
