A modular home set into the pastoral countryside in Orange, NSW, Kangaroobie House was constructed from fully-welded structural steel frames and fabricated offsite in 12 weeks. ‘Our homes are are fully finished in our factory prior to being delivered to site,’ explains Modscape managing director Jan Gyrn. ‘All of the painting, tiling, cabinetry etc., is complete before leaving the factory. This minimises the amount of time required onsite and ensures we have a high level of quality control.’
However, this Melbourne-based architecture practice do not subscribe to a one-size-fits-all philosophy, taking cues from the qualities of each site and the personalised requirements of their clients.
The client brief for this Sydney family was for an energy-efficient second (weekend) home that maximised the beautiful valley views. ‘Sited on a ridge, the form of the home follows the lay of the land and is orientated to take advantage of the beautiful views towards Mount Canobolas,’ explains Gyrn.
‘In addition the clients engaged Modscape to conduct the construction offsite in a controlled factory environment to eliminate potential weather delays (owing to the high altitude, in winter the area frequently gets frosts and often snow); and to erase the task of coordinating multiple trades (which is difficult in a rural setting that’s close to four hours’ drive from their permanent residence).’
From a planning perspective, despite the modularity, Modscape are able to work with great flexibility. ‘There is no set module size or shape so there’s great flexibility in the design,’ explains Jan. ‘Modules can be placed side-by-side or end-to-end to create greater internal spaces.’
The Kangaroobie home incorporates three modules, set into a T-shaped plan with separate wings for living, sleeping and utilities. Windows and doors have been positioned to maximise their effect as frames to the landscape, leveraging the majestic valley vistas.
INFORMATION
-
This surreal new seafood restaurant in LA is the stuff of mermaid's dreamsAt Cento Raw Bar, delectable fare is complemented by playful, oceanic interiors by Brandon Miradi
-
What’s new in the wearable world of smart glasses, and extended and augmented realityAre you ready for AR? Meta, Google, Snap and more are gearing up to compete with Apple and deliver frames-based communications devices – complete with AI integration
-
Italian-Japanese fusion’s a joy at east London’s Osteria AngelinaA Victorian warehouse in Spitalfields has been given a slick modern makeover to house a unique Italian-Japanese restaurant
-
A Republic Tower apartment refresh breathes new life to a Melbourne classicLocal studio Multiplicity's refresh signals a new turn for an iconic Melbourne landmark
-
A Japanese maple adds quaint charm to a crisp, white house in SydneyBellevue Hill, a white house by Mathieson Architects, is a calm retreat layered with minimalism and sophistication
-
A redesigned warehouse complex taps into nostalgia in QueenslandA warehouse in Queensland has been transformed from neglected industrial sheds to a vibrant community hub by architect Jared Webb, drawing on the typology's nostalgic feel
-
Australian bathhouse ‘About Time’ bridges softness and brutalism‘About Time’, an Australian bathhouse designed by Goss Studio, balances brutalist architecture and the softness of natural patina in a Japanese-inspired wellness hub
-
The humble glass block shines brightly again in this Melbourne apartment buildingThanks to its striking glass block panels, Splinter Society’s Newburgh Light House in Melbourne turns into a beacon of light at night
-
A contemporary retreat hiding in plain sight in SydneyThis contemporary retreat is set behind an unassuming neo-Georgian façade in the heart of Sydney’s Woollahra Village; a serene home designed by Australian practice Tobias Partners
-
Join our world tour of contemporary homes across five continentsWe take a world tour of contemporary homes, exploring case studies of how we live; we make five stops across five continents
-
Who wouldn't want to live in this 'treehouse' in Byron Bay?A 1980s ‘treehouse’, on the edge of a national park in Byron Bay, is powered by the sun, architectural provenance and a sense of community
