New South Wales
Across a natural ridge over a slope of heritage vineyards, lies a sequenced ternary of interconnected pavilions. Here, the pragmatic demands of a working estate in one of Australia’s most established wine regions are combined with the refined easiness of a Sydney family’s country retreat.
The house is arranged with poetic rationality and is unified by a series of open-air connections.
The restrained material palette of stone and whiteness accompanies both the spatial and formal purity of the home. The choreography of circulation incorporates sky, ground and views with cantilevered overhangs that provide functional protection from harsh Australian conditions.
There is a considered balance of openness and privacy for family and friends and a mindfulness of surrounding nature in one of Australia’s most celebrated wine destinations.
The site is historically very significant being one of the first vineyards and wineries in the Hunter and hence Australia. Vineyards are by nature both beautiful but also pragmatic and useable. This combined with almost an unsurpassed topography demanded both aesthetic and functional excellence. The house meets all these objectives. It integrates perfectly with the site. Every view and aspect is captured. The spaces are simultaneously large but cosy and warm. It is a building that will stay in the family for centuries.
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.
