The Oaks Luxury Farmstay
On a large farm about an hour and a half south-east of Sydney, we collaborated with Manilla-based architecture firm, Mañosa & Co, who designed a large home with generous guest quarters for the property’s Asia-based owner.
Situated on a gentle rise with expansive views of the countryside, the building involved extensive landscaping work, the construction of three barn like forms for the main house, and three corresponding curved pods recessed into the landscape as guest quarters.
The structures were clad in Gosford Sandstone that required an entire team of stone masons onsite for a full year of the project. The roofing, flashings and downpipes were fully customised in zinc, contrasting with the texture and colour of the stone and providing a strong outline emphasising the buildings’ form.
Three pitched roof pavilions comprise the main home. The central entry pavilion contains the most used spaces - the kitchen, dining and living areas. The separate building beside it contains the private sleeping and bathing quarters, and at the opposite end, an entertainment pavilion contains a home cinema and more versatile living and sleeping spaces.
All three pavilions open onto timber decks with the pastoral view, and step down to grassed areas with stone paving, pergolas and an outdoor circular firepit (for cooler evenings), all softened by Australian native planting.
Excavated into the hillside in front of the upper pavilions are three circular guest pods, each with ensuite facilities, providing complete privacy for visitors. Large curved glass and hardwood timber framed glass doors can slide away to open each to the outdoor setting.
The interiors throughout the house are finely finished with a variety of materials. Bamboo panelling, plaster walls, stonework and hardwood timbers lining the floors and ceilings provide an aesthetic mixture of Australian and Asian living.
Architect Mañosa & Co, Philippines
Engineer Jones Nicholson Consulting Engineers
Landscape architect Craig Burton
Photography Brett Boardman
Award - 2019 Master Builders Association NSW Excellence in Housing Awards - Special Purpose Residential Open Category