Gruyere Farmhouse

Overcoming planning constraints, COVID-19 disruptions, and inclement weather, Gruyere Farmhouse was a project that demanded resilience and teamwork. The duality of the brief bestowed intriguing design opportunities, capturing views whilst maintaining privacy, creating a sense of space without separation and achieving an elegant, functional ‘farmhouse’ design. The hilltop locale, while providing panoramic views, unveiled logistical complexities of site access given the 85-meter vertical rise across the 100-acre property, and a critical need for protection from the elements. Given the monumental siting, respecting neighbouring views and preserving the landscape was paramount and heavily influenced material choices, building placement and landscaping.

The design responds to the clients desire to reside autonomously within the pavilion while providing separate areas for guests to enjoy. The pavilion’s light & airy characteristics; fully operable glass at both ends, capture breezes for cross ventilation. The perpendicular bed & guest wings bookend the dwelling with their robust structures providing much needed protection for the sheltered courtyard. Gruyere, though fundamentally a farmhouse, transcends traditional expectations. Through a vigilant selection of durable materials, careful curation of programme and orientation of built form, the residence not only fulfills practical requirements but also exemplifies architectural ingenuity.

Gruyere Farmhouse redefines farmhouse norms through meticulous design choices. The layout prioritises a striking entrance, with a driveway leading to a central courtyard. Thoughtful window placement gradually reveals panoramic views of the Yarra Valley. An olive grove conceals neighbouring sight lines. The pavilion-style layout maximizes views and cross ventilation, while robust materials protect the courtyard. Handmade bricks reflect the landscape’s hues, blending the home with its surroundings.