Following the Source
Hidden away in 100 hectares of rolling hills and lush valleys sits one of our most infamous homes to date: The Barn. It’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland location provides towering gum trees and ample privacy, while the sculpted landscaping and natural swim pond ensconce the home with a special air of seclusion and serenity.
Looking back on this build, we recognise sourcing as a thread we’d like to follow. For a home with an emphasis on sustainability and self-sufficiency, sourcing quality, local materials was inherent to its integrity.
Supplying Outdoor Spaces
With its dramatic entry—the doors so big they were built and installed in-place—and steep roofline, extra thought and precautions had to go into the construction and choice of material.
Dayne himself acknowledged this build tested everyone’s problem solving skills.
And yet, the answer was supplied in a way that remained true to the home’s ethos – hardwood sourced from recycled iron bark and spotted gum trees. Even the home’s 250-350 kilo beams point back to the beauty and resiliency of the nature surrounding it.
Every rock feature throughout the build was also carefully sourced. Eco Outdoor was consulted for the grey tiles that edge the large infinity pool, a natural partnership that ensured the choice met both aesthetic and ethical standards.
Beyond the manicured look of the pool area, there are rugged rock walls throughout the interior and exterior of The Barn. Every stone was carved from a local Sunshine Coast quarry and hand lain over multiple months to achieve the desired look.
Simon Thomas Landscapes is responsible for the landscaping that smudges the line that divides the indoor/outdoor of this stunning project. Planting selections and pathways highlight the natural beauty of its hinterland setting. With a lush variety of greenery, the landscaping adds movement and dimension to The Barn’s entries, paths and garden spaces.
One feature of the natural landscape was the sustainable recreation pond, designed and built by Taylor’d Waterscapes. Large enough to swim in, the sustainable recreation pond has a large wetland for edible aquatic planting and includes its own set of waterfalls. You can view a drone tour of The Barn’s natural swim pond here.
Looking Inward
Influenced by Fijian resorts, the interior of The Barn is comprised of multiple pavilions that flow and blend together. The result is a home that makes the most of its sub-tropical climate and indoor-outdoor living while retaining the luxury and quality our clients expect from a LAWRIE home.
Starting from the ground up, the natural concrete floor was an easy choice to further blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Not only this, but concrete’s longevity and durability add an environmentally conscious aspect to align with The Barn’s overall vision.
Kitchen Contours was another easy choice as we’ve worked with them on several builds, including Compass, Renovatio, Halcón and Apricus. Working with the same team can play an important role in sourcing, especially with challenging home builds. Having established, positive, ongoing relationships helps make decision-making and collaboration seamless.
Sourcing for Vision and Values
The Barn certainly leads by example when it comes to careful curation of sourced materials. However, this ethos is also ingrained into the foundation of who we are.
Each build we undertake has its own vision and values. So, while we always utilise our network of suppliers to find natural, high-quality materials, our sourcing is also done in a way that aligns with the character and nature of each home as an individual.
As we reimagine the limits of custom home design, we also imagine an Australian landscape where each build gives back to the stunning coastal environment we call home.
