A contemporary take on traditional farmhouse typology.
Our clients for this residential project came to us with long-term ambitions for their greenfield site overlooking the kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary: a home that would evolve alongside their growing family, all while making the most of those spectacular water views.
Our response reimagined the traditional farmhouse through a series of gabled pavilions arranged along a central spine, framing shifting views of the river and surrounding hillsides through a carefully orchestrated sequence of spaces.
Separate, but connected.
Beyond the subdued black timber cladding, the entry gallery acts as a grounding space, before the home terraces naturally up and down the site's contours. Each of six separate pavilions houses a distinct part of family life: the main living and dining area, a library and study, a parent's retreat, a children's wing, an indoor pool, and a double garage.
Separated at intervals by protected outdoor decks and courtyards that similarly prioritise outlook and light, the pavilions remain intrinsically linked by a continuity of interior aesthetic, and a deliberate subtlety in level changes.
Framing family life.
In the central living space, vast glazing draws the landscape inside, framing uninterrupted views over the river - an approach that is repeated at a smaller scale in the master bedroom. Throughout the home, window positions were carefully considered to maximise natural light and its interaction with the internal look and feel of each area.
Through the careful scaling of spaces, our design creates a sense of cosiness that belies the home's generous footprint, and built-in joinery defines each room with warmth and function, from study nooks in the children's bedrooms to window seats that capture morning sun.
Performance, without the noise.
The home is built to perform. Extensive insulation, hydronic heating and a large solar system support its environmental performance, embedded in the design rather than added as an afterthought.
Delivered in collaboration with Barwick Developments, McEwans House reflects a shared commitment to craftsmanship and detail. The result is a home that feels both contemporary and timeless - tailored to its site, its materials, and its occupants.
