Located on a sloping site in Armidale, the home features two built forms set around an internal courtyard and connected via a glass corridor – an approach that creates an intimate dialogue with nature whilst maintaining privacy from the streetscape.

The interior palette celebrates this connection with nature, prioritising warmth and texture through the use of bricks, natural stone, and Tongue & Groove solid European oak boards in Hekke.

“Drawing from the client’s experience of contemporary farmhouse living, we wanted the material palette to reflect the functionality and hard-wearing look of country living, elevated with a sense of modernity,” explains Jonathan Richards, director of Richards Stanisich.

The Tongue & Groove boards are key in achieving this vision and are used to impressive effect throughout the main living areas, hallways and kitchen.

“The natural variation within Hekke made it a very versatile product,” says Richards. “The detail and tone in the wood brings softness to the rest of the material palette and furniture, creating a comfortable interior experience and highlighting the project’s connection to nature.”

A landscaped deciduous garden in the private courtyard allows the residents to enjoy the drama of the changing seasons, and the architecture encourages an easy flow between the interior and exterior.

“It was important that the flooring not only complemented the interior and exterior tones, but was also inherently durable and functional to support direct access between these two spaces over time,” says Richards.

“Seeing the concept of ‘farmhouse simplicity’ come into fruition from start to finish is an experience I will always cherish.”