lifestyle, Ballarat, 2021 Design Matters National Annual Building Design Award, Best Residential Design New House Award, Project Now, Newmac Bricklaying, Madigan Builders, Luke Jennings, House design
A new farmhouse built from recycled materials won a prestigious 2021 Design Matters National Best Residential Design New House award. The challenge with the dossier was to find local builders and artisans who could mix old and new work. The residential property at the foot of Mount Buninyong was designed by Ballarat Architects Project Now with an emphasis on shared spaces and indoor-outdoor connectivity, said company director Luke Jennings. “The challenge in a job like this is to make sure that the trades are enthusiastic and enthusiastic about taking it on, and certainly for this particular project they were engaged and supporting that direction, especially the builder. , Madigan Builders and Mason, Newmac Masonry, “he says. “They were instrumental in reusing the salvaged materials and in achieving that tactile nature so important to this project.” Inspired by the surroundings of the semi-rural property, Mr. Jennings says what motivated the design process was the concept of connection – creating warm, open and inviting spaces for both family use and for entertaining. He says the use of a solid gable design and recycled materials has led several other homes in and around Ballarat to take inspiration from the home. “It’s a very bold and strong form, very popular right now,” he says. “More recently, flat, minimalist roof profiles have moved a bit away from bolder, more solid roof shapes like these gables. “The connection with the surrounding geographic features also inspired the silhouette; the twin peaks of Mount Buninyong and Mount Warrenheip and the expanses of the Union Jack reserve serve as a wider backdrop to the property, reflected in the twin gables and gable spanning the north and south roof lines. Mr. Jennings says the materials and finishes were also selected to reflect the area and semi-rural outlook, continuing the exterior finishes inside for a cohesive warm and rustic feel. As the salvage of previously used building materials becomes more and more popular in custom homes, finding them has become more difficult. During the COVID period, we struggled to source the materials, ”Jennings said. “There isn’t as much to salvage over the past two years with limited demolition work, so there is now a shortage of products available. “We’re always trying to figure out what makes us tick, what makes us excited, and we focus on these types of projects – those charming, high quality or bespoke homes that require an extra level of attention and detail, rather than being “Ballarat began to exhaust its land opportunities other than the estates living in the west,” says Mr. Jennings. “So these bespoke boutique or lot designs usually require a bespoke floor plan and elevation style.” Luke Jennings looks forward to seeing innovative reuse of buildings in the CBD and around Ballarat in general. , in an effort to curb spreading and rejuvenate CBD. “I have a personal preference for more urban infill developments and the intensification of CBD. ”
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Winner: Clockwise from top left – This awe-inspiring view from behind at the entrance to the house reveals the expansive swimming pool and covered entertainment area. The close-up view of the entrance shows that the bedroom has a stunning view that can be closed off when visitors are staying. The furniture in the living room blends in with the recovered natural masonry. A large open layout provides ample entertainment space.
A new farmhouse built from recycled materials won a prestigious 2021 Design Matters National Best Residential Design New House award.
The challenge with the dossier was to find local builders and artisans who could mix old and new work.
The residential property at the foot of Mount Buninyong was designed by Ballarat Architects Project Now with an emphasis on shared spaces and indoor-outdoor connectivity, said company director Luke Jennings.
“The challenge in a job like this is to make sure that the trades are enthusiastic and enthusiastic about taking it on, and certainly for this particular project they were engaged and supporting that direction, especially the builder. , Madigan Builders and Mason, Newmac Masonry, “he says.

The fireplace immediately shows the connection between exterior and interior materials with reclaimed wood and recycled bricks adding warmth and color.
“They were instrumental in reusing the salvaged materials and in achieving that tactile nature so important to this project.”
Inspired by the surroundings of the semi-rural property, Mr. Jennings says what motivated the design process was the concept of connection – creating warm, open and inviting spaces for both family use and for entertaining.
He says the use of a solid gable design and recycled materials has led several other homes in and around Ballarat to take inspiration from the home.
“It’s a very bold and strong form, very popular right now,” he says.
“More recently, flat, minimalist roof profiles have moved a bit away from bolder, more solid roof shapes like these gables.
“The connection with the surrounding geographic features was also the inspiration for the silhouette; the twin peaks of Mount Buninyong and Mount Warrenheip and the expanses of the Union Jack reserve serve as the property’s wider backdrop, reflected in the twin gables and gable spanning the north and south rooflines. “
Mr Jennings says the materials and finishes were also selected to reflect the region and semi-rural outlook, continuing the exterior finishes inside for a cohesive warm and rustic feel.
As the salvage of used building materials becomes more and more popular in custom homes, finding them has become more difficult.
“Certainly during the COVID period we have struggled to source the materials,” Mr. Jennings said.
“There isn’t as much to salvage over the past two years with limited demolition work, so there is now a shortage of products available.

A generous bathroom is shielded from prying eyes (although this is a rural property here) by cement columns.
“We’re always trying to figure out what makes us tick, what makes us excited, and we focus on these types of projects – those charming, high quality or bespoke homes that require an extra level of attention and detail, rather than to be produced in series.
“Ballarat has started to exhaust its land opportunities other than the estates living in the west,” Mr. Jennings said.
“So these in-store or bespoke lot designs usually require a bespoke floor plan and elevation style. “
Luke Jennings is eager to see an innovative reuse of buildings in CBD and around Ballarat in general, with the aim of curbing sprawl and rejuvenating CBD.
“I have a personal preference for more urban infill developments and the intensification of CBD.”
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