This rustic holiday home in Strath Creek makes the most of its expansive views of the surrounding mountains.

Never completed by its previous owner, this barn in Strath Creek was originally designed to be part workshop and part dwelling. Tragically, poor planning meant neither function was realised and the building quickly fell into disrepair.

Envisioning how special the building could be, our client purchased the property and engaged us to create a holiday home which will primarily be used as accommodation for a local wedding venue.

The property is situated in the flood plain of a creek with expansive views of a beautiful mountainous terrain. The original structure seemed to unjustifiably ignore its incredible context, locating service zones which blocked the view, and positioning windows in a way that prevented a view of the tops of surrounding mountains.

However, what was very evident was the gridded timber structure of the building, which we immediately recognised as a feature. By peeling back the building to the bare structural grid, we highlighted the structural form so the building could be understood.

We wrapped a traditional Australian verandah around three sides of the home, all within the original structural grid, creating a seamless inside-outside experience where the landscape can be truly appreciated.

Built by Upbuild

Photography by John Gollings

Joinery by Inhaus Joinery