Passive solar house and expansive multi-use workspace
In the historic village of Murrumbateman, a little-known feat of organic residential architecture sits among statuesque cedars and eucalypts, which cast glorious afternoon shadows on the soaring brick facade.
'Stornoway' was commissioned from the Canberra architect, Laurie Virr, a leading practitioner in the organic style, which celebrates nature and the use of natural materials. The house is set in grounds laid out by the acclaimed Sydney garden designer, Peter Fudge. This landmark and very private building is situated on a corner block, comprising 1,985 sq m of prime land. It is a striking Virr-designed house that has had only two owners, with the second employing Virr to carry out modifications and additions.
Originally completed in 1999, Stornoway is a two-storey, double brick house with all the passive design features for which the architect is well known. Similar to the house Virr designed for his own family, the principle of 'following the sun' is at play, which guides Stornoway's shape as it unfolds around a central courtyard. All main rooms of the house look out or connect through double doors to the courtyard which, with its reflecting pond, is a beautifully conceived 'outdoor room' that embraces the native garden.
The house is currently configured with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a study, but this is flexible. It could become a two-bedroom house with study and an office. Or the upstairs north-facing study could be used as a single bedroom, creating a four-bedroom house.
Alternatively, the office with access to the upstairs bedroom and ensuite bathroom has the potential for a guest studio or separate apartment with private entrance. Stornoway thus could be an intimate home for a couple or a more expansive home for a family, including of multiple generations.
Further expansion is possible with the separate warehouse-sized structure, which was originally built as an agricultural produce store. At 140 sq m it is the ideal storage space, complementing the attic storage in the house. The warehouse also has the potential for conversion to an artist's studio or similar space, or an Alternative Dwelling Unit (STCA).
- Passive solar-designed house by admired architect Laurie Virr - Gardens by respected designer Peter Fudge - Superior craftsmanship utilising high-grade native timbers throughout - Many sustainable features incl. 28,000 litre water tank - Open fireplace - Separate s/c guest suite or apartment - Attic storage - Separate expansive, 143 sq m multi-use workspace that has the potential for conversion, as an Alternative Dwelling Unit (STCA) - Large private corner block - Potential for pool - Walking distance to village amenities - 15-minutes drive to the regional centre of Yass - 38-minutes drive to centre of Canberra - Relaxed rural atmosphere within easy reach of a major cultural centre
Full design story and image folio at modernhouse.co
To call a significant and superbly conceived piece of organic, passive design your home. An inspirational space in which to live or live/work. Convert the expansive, 143 sq m multi-use workspace to your ideal maker space (car or furniture restoration, etc), artist's studio or adapt to Alternative Dwelling Unit (STCA).
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Allhomes acknowledges the Ngunnawal people, traditional custodians of the lands where Allhomes is situated. We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of Canberra and the region. We also acknowledge all other First Nations Peoples on whose lands we work.
"With open hearts and minds, together we grow." artwork by David Williams of Gilimbaa.