Timber, texture and light in a rural retreat built for family life.
The interiors of Merriwa Farmhouse reflect the same values that shaped the architecture: sustainability, durability, material honesty and emotional resonance. Every decision inside was made with the daily rhythms of rural life in mind from early mornings and shared meals to quiet moments of retreat and long evenings watching the weather roll in.
Designed for a farming family in rural NSW during the height of a drought, Merriwa Farmhouse is a robust yet refined new addition to a historic homestead. Drawing on arid-climate vernaculars such as the Mexican courtyard house, the new building centres around a protected outdoor space that encourages gathering, cooling and quiet retreat. The project celebrates an honest material palette and a spatial arrangement shaped by function, family life and climate.
The existing homestead becomes the sleeping quarters—smaller, darker rooms carefully restored and detailed for rest and recovery. A glazed bridge over the pool connects to the bespoke modern addition, which houses the living, kitchen, dining and play areas. The central axis through the site defines this clear architectural transition between old and new.
The curved roof form is lined internally with plywood and woven bamboo matting, integrating natural materials with a textured tactile warmth. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls and ceilings are left exposed for their warmth and structural clarity complemented by glulam and rolled steel rafters. A concrete floor provides thermal mass helping regulate temperature throughout.
Strategically placed within the expansive new volume, the mezzanine captures sweeping views of the surrounding undulating landscape while creating a series of lower, more intimate spaces beneath. These include the kitchen, pantry and powder room. A sunken lounge deepens the sense of spatial layering and intimacy.
Wide verandas offer shaded outdoor spaces for gathering and movement. Deep window reveals frame long views and foster a sense of intimacy embracing those standing or sitting within them and softly shaping light and shade throughout the home. Together, these elements ground the house in its setting offering a sanctuary thoughtfully shaped by climate, context and a deep commitment to considered design.
Client Testimonial, Merriwa Farmhouse:
“We chose Katherine as she was able to envisage our bespoke project and communicate it clearly… delivered the perfect project after listening to our needs and wants… she was calm, reliable and caring.
Our mezzanine encompasses a view that we didn’t realise how amazing it was until we were in the space, even after living on site for 10 years already. Katherine’s design brought our property into focus with light and space… the new space has had a massive positive impact on how our family spends time together.
Materials chosen were considered carefully and reflected our location beautifully. Katherine was always available to us with enormous amounts of empathy and skill. Concerns and challenges that popped up were dealt with smoothly and with great success.
Katherine is extremely professional. She asked questions clearly, which enabled us to communicate our needs in a way that reflects the beautiful space we now have.
Anyone who has entered the space cannot believe how beautiful it is… A lot of people comment they have never been in a space that works so well practically and looks and feels so lovely.
Visitors love the originality of the design and are constantly amazed. Katherine’s design encompassed our brief perfectly. She is a calm presence in what can be an extremely stressful pursuit. She listens at all stages and offers sage advice.
Katherine understands the difficulties of building bespoke - particularly in a setting such as ours (remote NSW) - and is able to manage all issues that arise whilst producing spaces that feel inviting and modern.
Our building requires no air-conditioning due to the materials and airflow. In a hot environment, this is outstanding. The kitchen has easily worked for entertaining over 100 people multiple times. The space provided flows beautifully. We have multiple spaces available that are connected seamlessly.”
Photography by Jessie Ann Harris