The Barn is a new rural retreat located on a 250-acre property in Obi Obi — part of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland. 

Sparks Architects were tasked with designing the home to offer a ‘Fijian resort’ feel. ‘Our client has enjoyed many family holidays in various resorts in Fiji and wished to create a series of structures that provided a similar degree of escape and recreation for their family,’ explains Dan Sparks, practice director of Sparks Architects.

This distinct influence was paired with references to traditional sheds or barns that are prevalent in the area. ‘We had numerous discussions around exploring an architectural language that accommodated aspects of traditional South Pacific architectural forms, but was also appropriate for an Australian rural environment,’ says Dan. 

The result is a spectacular home that feels neither overpowered by or dominant on the 250-acre site, complete with two swimming pools, a spa, covered outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven; and a yoga deck! The property itself is situated on a creek, with views up the valley to Mapleton Falls to the east, and Obi Obi valley to the west.

The house itself features a dynamic, recycled spotted gum open gable roof that seemingly floats above two monolithic solid stone walls. Significant outdoor landscaping by Simon Thomas, including the remarkable natural pool/billabong, softens these robust built structures. 

The Barn is a self-sufficient home with rainwater tanks, a 18kW photovoltaic array combined with battery storage, and an onsite sewage treatment system. More than anything, it is a special place that serves as a base from which to explore the greater site and landscape.