Victoria
Goorambat House and Shed was designed to a clear philosophy of house as an enhancer. It enhances appreciation of place and conditions as well as one’s day-to-day activities.
Fundamental is an idea of a ‘modern homestead’, valuing an outward looking building connected to its greater context. A primal virtue of which is when inside, one also feels outside. Core ideas and their values that drove the design include the concept of the walled courtyard garden with a microclimate for family life; climate responsive design for thermal comfort and energy conservation; off-grid services systems for energy and water resilience and freedom; and situating and designing house and shed for a meaningful relationship with the landscape, town, and grain silos.
The project is a unique contextual response that showcases the merits of rammed earth, passive design, and how off-grid services systems can support a high standard of living and provide climate resilience.
Goorambat House has exceeded our expectations. It is impressive without being ostentatious; nestled into a landscape which is open and flat. Inside, our house is spacious, cosy and comfortable in the winter, cool in summer with the walled garden protecting us from the harsh winds. In essence, it is the perfect space in which to experience the environment from the comfort of our own home.
Client perspective
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.