Pitched Roofs Cover This Dark And Moody Farmhouse

March 9, 2023
A modern farmhouse in Australia.

Atlas Architects has shared photos of a modern house on the Mornington Peninsula, Australia, that was once a brown-brick, pitched-roof farmhouse built in the 1980s.

Their clients, a semi-retired couple, wanted a one-of-a-kind family home that could also serve as a stunning wedding venue.

While it has been modernized and completely reimagined, the project named “The Seat”, is still at heart a farmhouse; it’s highly adaptable and centered around family, utilizing practical, honest materials in an elegant yet simple design.

A modern farmhouse in Australia.

The Green Wall Courtyard

A driveway winds its way through the property arriving a the home, where visitors are greeted by a soothing charcoal palette that echoes the richness of the local loam soils.

As the existing roofline was bitsy and messy, the architects created a steel fascia pergola structure that enveloped the existing building. It also allowed for an extension of the roofline, provides privacy, and created a northern courtyard.

A modern farmhouse with a courtyard that will become enclosed with plants over time.

Over time, the plants at its base will grow, creeping up to the roofline and enhancing the home’s privacy with flora so it feels contained but never confined.

A modern farmhouse with a courtyard that will become enclosed with plants over time.

The Paved Entrance

A paved pathway leads past the courtyard and garden, and to the recessed entryway and front door.

A paved pathway leads past the courtyard and garden, and to the recessed entryway and front door.
A paved pathway leads past the courtyard and garden, and to the recessed entryway and front door.

The Roof Line

The pitched metal roof, which matches the rest of the house, connects the original home with the new and adds visual interest.

A modern farmhouse with a pitched roof and bluestone crazy paving that's featured on the terrace and the interior.

The Terrace And The Bluestone

The architects used bluestone crazy paving to create a rawness and roughness that bring a sense of continuity from the rural surroundings. This can be seen on the terrace that runs the width of the home.

A modern farmhouse with a pitched roof and bluestone crazy paving that's featured on the terrace and the interior.

The bold, textured stone surface creates unity inside and out, between old and new, fostering an understanding that though modern and considered, this is not a precious building but a cozy, well-used home.

A modern farmhouse with bluestone crazy paving featured on the terrace and the interior.
A modern farmhouse with bluestone crazy paving featured on the terrace and the interior.

The Vaulted Ceiling

The lining board ceiling that follows the undulating roof line is a reference to the coastal cladding characteristic of homes in this area and accentuates the sculptural form of the old building blending with the new.

This lining board ceiling that follows the undulating roof line is a reference to the coastal cladding characteristic of homes in this area and accentuates the sculptural form of the old building blending with the new.

The Living Room & Dining Room

The living and dining room is included in the new extension and functions as the main family room. The interior concept evolves around the idea of a contemporary country home, with the design retaining some characteristics of a farmhouse, yet it adapts to the urban family lifestyle.

A modern living room with an abundance of bookshelves and a fireplace.

The stone surround fireplace is elegantly inset so it effortlessly forms part of the vast walled bookcase.

A modern living room with an abundance of bookshelves and a fireplace.
A modern living room with an abundance of bookshelves, and a dark and moody interior.

The dining area separates the living room and the kitchen, while the interior color palette is dark, muted, and calm with greys, charcoals, and bluestone.

A modern farmhouse dining area with bluestone crazy paving flooring throughout.

This palette was chosen as it limits light reflection, creating less strain on the eyes and elevating the expansive windows, views, and natural light to center stage.

A modern farmhouse dining area with bluestone crazy paving flooring throughout.

The Kitchen

The kitchen and pantry are practical and service-oriented, but they are also part of the social and entertaining hub.

A modern black kitchen that's designed as a full-sized bar with a gentleman's club aesthetic.
A modern black kitchen that's designed as a full-sized bar with a gentleman's club aesthetic.

Designed as a full-sized bar, this functional zone has a gentleman’s club aesthetic, accommodating family gatherings and myriad social events.

A modern black kitchen that's designed as a full-sized bar with a gentleman's club aesthetic.
A modern black kitchen that's designed as a full-sized bar with a gentleman's club aesthetic.
A modern black kitchen that's designed as a full-sized bar with a gentleman's club aesthetic.

The Hallway & Lounge Room

A hallway connects the new family room and kitchen with the entryway, as well as the bedrooms, bathrooms, and secondary living spaces, like a lounge room and rumpus room.

A modern farmhouse with bluestone crazy paving flooring.
A modern lounge room with dark walls.

The Bathrooms

In the bathrooms, large format tiles that complement the interior color palette line the walls and floors, while white freestanding bathtubs create a contrasting element.

A modern black and grey bathroom with a white freestanding bathtub.
A modern black and grey bathroom with a white freestanding bathtub.

Here’s a look at the various drawings and floor plan of the home, and after them there’s a video with the architects describing the project.

The Design Process

The design process of a remodeled modern farm house.

The Site Plan

The site plan of a remodeled modern farm house.

Floor Plan

The floor plan of a remodeled modern farm house.

East Elevation

The east elevation diagram of a remodeled modern farm house.

North East Elevation

The north east elevation diagram of a remodeled modern farm house.

North West Elevation

The north west elevation diagram of a remodeled modern farm house.

South East Elevation

The south east elevation diagram of a remodeled modern farm house.

Section

The section diagram of a remodeled modern farm house.

Hear what the architects have to say about this project by watching the following video.

Photography by Tess Kelly