In a significant architectural achievement, an outstanding steel pavilion has extended a historic farmhouse on the Monaro Plateau in Australia. This ingenious yet contextually relevant extension not only maintains but enhances the site’s heritage value while providing the occupants with modern comforts and spectacular views of the plateau.
The historic farmhouse, located in the town of Nimmitabel, dates back to the 1830s. The site sits on 125 hectares of land and has been a significant fixture on the Monaro Plateau. Its recent extension, this cutting-edge steel pavilion, sheds new light on how traditional rural structures can be transformed to meet contemporary needs while respecting their past.
Designed by Fergus Scott Architects, the three-bedroom steel pavilion is a breath of fresh air in the realm of architectural design. The pavilion is connected to the original stone building through an enclosed walkway, providing a visual connection to the surroundings. The structure, made of exposed steel, hardwood, and glass, effortlessly blends into the landscape of the surrounding plateau without disturbing the historic integrity of the site.
“Rather than mimic the forms of the existing buildings, the new structure stands alone in deference to the old,” Scott said. “The idea was to create a blatant contrast, a clear distinction between the new and the old.”
The steel pavilion features full-length windows, offering a panoramic view of the plateau and the dramatic weather changes it is known for. The interior design embraces a minimalist aesthetic with concrete floors combined with warm timber walls and ceilings, achieving a balance between contemporary elegance and rustic charm.
With sustainability and eco-friendliness being central elements of contemporary architectural design, Scott’s steel pavilion is on track. The pavilion is powered by a discreetly positioned field of photovoltaic panels, fulfilling the owners’ desire for off-grid living. Furthermore, water is harvested from rain, and waste is processed through a site-based system; all adding to the site’s sustainability credentials.
Scott’s design has been appreciated and recognized by professional peers. Just recently, the project won the award for New House under 200m² in the 2020 Houses Awards — a nationwide competition acknowledging Australia’s best in residential architecture and design.
“The design reflects a strong understanding of the harsh climatic conditions of the plateau, while the restrained palette of materials and careful siting enhance the presence of the historic outpost,” the award jury members commented.
The construction of this steel pavilion represents a novel take on preserving and extending the historical significance of rural structures. By creating a stark contrast between old and new, it also shows how architecture can form a dialogue between varying time periods, each with their unique styles and concerns.
This extension showcases the potential for combining cutting-edge design and respect for history in rural Australia’s architectural scene. It represents a sensitive and creative approach to heritage conservation by using modern design techniques, technologies, and materials.
The steel pavilion extension on the Monaro Plateau is a testament to the versatility and adaptability of architectural design. It illustrates that even in the most remote or challenging locations, architects can create buildings that respect heritage, harness the natural environment, and meet contemporary living standards.
Public interest in the project has been heightened by recent online coverage, with many architectural and design publications featuring the construction. This attention asserts the value and appeal of such innovative undertakings that carve a niche for their unique blend of history and modernity.
As the steel pavilion stands tall on the Monaro Plateau, it serves as a model for the future — a future that embraces change without forgetting its roots. This project showcases a seamless blend of history and modernity, forming a delightful harmony that has caught the eye of many.
Original Source: https://www.designboom.com/architecture/steel-pavilion-extends-historic-farmhouse-on-australias-monaro-plateau/
