monaro plateau homestead restores 19th century stone cottage
Rodney Moss and Josh Mulford Architects, in collaboration with Sally Hieatt Interiors, complete a family farmhouse on the Monaro Plateau in Australia, near Canberra. Designed as a contemporary extension to an existing late nineteenth century stone cottage, Monaro Plateau Homestead combines restoration and new construction to create a unified rural home. Working with structural engineer Ken Murtagh and builder Mark Loader, the team introduces a new pavilion connected to the original farmhouse. Together, the structures frame expansive views across the rugged Monaro landscape, balancing heritage character with a contemporary architectural response.
the project combines restoration and new construction | all images Rodney Moss & Josh Mulford Architects
steel pavilion and cottage define living and sleeping zones
The newly built pavilion houses the main living areas and master bedroom within a lightweight steel frame. Service zones are enclosed in precast concrete panels, complementing the texture and solidity of the original stone structure.
Bedrooms for children and guests are reestablished within the restored cottage, creating a clear separation between communal and private spaces. Large sliding timber framed glass doors connect both structures, opening the interior toward the surrounding landscape.
the house is designed as a contemporary extension to an existing late nineteenth century stone cottage
australian countryside home defines sustainable rural living
The pavilion incorporates a natural ventilation strategy that draws in cool prevailing breezes to regulate the indoor climate. Its roof collects rainwater for household use, while an integrated wastewater treatment system supports sustainable operation on site. Raw and industrial in expression, the new addition is designed as a durable architectural response to the extremes of the Australian environment, ensuring longevity while remaining closely tied to its rural context.
raw and industrial in expression, the new addition is designed as a durable architectural response to its environment
