In the township of Gidgegannup, 40km northeast of Perth, the local scenery is a mix of unspoilt native forest, flowing waterways and abundant wildflowers in spring. It’s in this location that Tingle View sits, The Rural Building Company’s 2024 HIA Australian Project Home award-winning build.

Gloriously full of Australian design legacy, this is no turnkey project home. This modern Australian farmhouse is cleverly modified and created to blend elegantly and sympathetically with the surrounding wilderness and views.

But one thing is certain: the home embodies The Rural Building Company’s signature style. Nestled into the landscape using natural materials and pitched roof lines, the design is rural but reimagined. According to Design Manager Rob Kirkovski, this is all part of their appeal and business strategy. ‘We aren’t your typical project home builder. We have a holistic approach. We deliver a specific lifestyle in a distinct style of home, belonging in certain areas.

‘We want our homes to have an architectural language, an aesthetic vocabulary that's recognisable,’ continues Rob. This is undoubtably the case with Tingle View.

The owners were drawn to the original design and how it would work on their land. On approach, the elevation, vast verandahs and glimpse of exposed internal rafters are contemporary in geometry. Add to this the natural bush poles and gabled low-e glazed frontage and stone detailing, the impression is both grounded and sophisticated. The verandahs offer more than just a welcoming charm, providing ample space for entertaining and storage. A two-way fireplace, facing both inside and out, adds to the appeal. When the warmer months arrive, ceiling fans help circulate air around the outdoor spaces.

The practical layout embraces biophilic trends by offering breathtaking 180-degree panoramic views of the country landscape, including the homestead’s dam. From anywhere you stand in the home, nature beckons, thanks to the use of full-height glass windows and doors. Even the considered glass door at the end of the main hallway frames an ornamental cherry blossom tree, providing a natural work of art. In the design phase, modifications were made to give this area a higher point, so when visitors descend into the living areas, the view opens towards the dam.

Like many areas Rob and his team build in, the location had its challenges. From the bushfire BAL requirements and the elevation to the topography and drainage, these conditions are something they are used to overcoming but are hurdles, nonetheless. HIA judges commented that the combination of rural landscape site conditions, paired with the challenge of constructing extensive towering, pitched ceilings, undoubtedly posed challenges for the trades involved in building this exquisite home.

According to the HIA judges, the team’s unwavering commitment to quality is evident throughout the build. It bears no telltale signs of the hurdles faced during its construction; instead, it stands proudly – a superbly finished family residence.

Impressing the judges was the central living space, boasting polished concrete floors, encapsulating the essence of country living. The ingenious layout divides the primary living area from the secondary bedrooms and main bathroom. This creates a clear distinction between the master bedroom – a tranquil parents' retreat. A dedicated study and private TV room within the space are noteworthy, making it a true sanctuary.

This is the second Australian Project Home win for The Rural Building Company. But this win is even more special because it was a different team, from a different region — a testament to the commitment to quality and attention to detail. ‘I think everyone has a sense of pride when we win overall. From the owners to the entire team, the moment we won, our whole WhatsApp chat went abuzz,’ says Rob. ‘While we’re a family business, and many of us have been here for decades, our ethos is to also have fun.’ With their most recent win, celebration is the order of the day.

Awards

Award: 2024 HIA Australian Project Home
Partnered by: James Hardie

Materials:

• Exterior walls: Brick wall construction by Brikmakers Roman New Orleans, cream mortar. Feature stone by Mataka Stone in Aspen.
• Interior walls: Brick wall construction by Brikmakers in Utility. Fibre / cement cladding by James Hardie, PrimeLine, Heritage 300mm
• Windows: Aluminium windows and doors by Jason Windows, Standard residential in Charcoal Lustre. 6mm Low E Glass glazing on external
• Flooring: External: Brikmakers, Geo Vistapave in Neo
• Doors: Main door by Corinthian, Flush, Primed. Internal doors by Corinthian, Windsor in RIMM Rosewood Veneer with translucent glass
• Kitchen & bathrooms: Benchtops: Engineered stone by Essastone, pencil round in Pure Cloud.

First published on 5 July 2024