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For Alexandra Buchanan Architecture, renovating Binnum Homestead was a challenge in restraint.
‘Often, we are called upon to design a building that is a grand gesture,’ practice director Alexandra Buchanan says.
‘Here, the opposite was true. The hero was the homestead and maintaining that was essential to the brief.’
The original sandstone residence, built in 1884, is something of a landmark property in Warwick, a small rural town known for its thriving rose gardens, heritage-listed buildings, and annual rodeo event.
Perched within the undulating countryside, the house remains a testament to the region’s rich agricultural and architectural heritage — dating back to the late 19th century.
The brief was to integrate the old dwelling with a small weatherboard cottage also on the acreage, using a new extension that didn’t take away from the ‘magic’ of the original homestead.
After exploring a number of options, Alexandra Buchanan Architects proposed a barn-like extension, replacing the outdated kitchen and bathroom.
‘The new A-frame addition borrows its form from the traditional barn typology as a recognition of its context. It is meticulously crafted to have its own identity while ensuring not to replicate or detract from the original dwelling,’ Alexandra says.
Carefully sited in relation to the existing buildings, the addition successfully connects what is now a trio of dwellings with new linkways and garden pathways that look like they’ve always been there.
But despite being three distinct forms, the rustic material palette also helps foster a sense of cohesion throughout.
Externally, corrugated iron sheets establish a shared language between the structures, while the reclaimed timber cladding and joinery pays tribute to the existing sandstone textures — maintaining a sense of warmth both inside and out.
Expansive glazing, skylights and window seats allow for ample natural light and views, with the open-plan kitchen and dining space forming the new heart of the home. There’s also a playroom cleverly positioned upstairs, making the most of the cathedral ceilings.
‘The addition not only connects the homestead and cottage but also strengthens it’s connection to the surrounding landscape,’ Alexandra says.
‘Respecting the scale of the original structure while introducing modern functionality, the design ensures the family can enjoy this historic property for generations to come.’
