There’s a certain romance to country living that never fades – the slow rhythm of the day, the ever-changing light across open land, and the sense that home is not just a place, but a retreat. In Oldbury, south of Perth, The Oldbury by The Rural Building Co. captures that feeling with quiet confidence, delivering a project home that’s as expansive as it is inviting.

From the outset, the home embraces a distinctly Australian rural character. A farmhouse-style facade, anchored by bush pole supports and corrugated steel accents, sets the tone. The wide, wraparound verandah extends into a generous alfresco, encouraging long afternoons outdoors and seamless entertaining. It’s a home that understands its setting - and leans into it.

The Rural Building Co.’s Principal Designer, Rob Kirkovski, explains the intent clearly: ‘This Oldbury residence was designed as a contemporary rural home grounded in its landscape. The brief was to celebrate natural materials and strong connections to the outdoors while creating a home that feels warm, liveable and deeply personal.’

Step inside and the scale reveals itself. A vaulted entry opens into a central living zone where soaring ceilings and gabled windows draw in natural light and frame sky views. Polished concrete floors run underfoot, while exposed timber trusses bring warmth and structure overhead. Large sliding doors dissolve the boundary between indoors and out, connecting the heart of the home to the surrounding landscape.

The layout reflects the way modern rural families live. A spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and living area forms the hub, while bedroom zones are carefully separated to balance privacy and connection. The master suite operates as a retreat of its own, while secondary bedrooms are positioned away from the main living space.

Functionality is equally considered. The kitchen pairs visual simplicity with practicality, featuring a concealed scullery and walk-in pantry. A concealed laundry, located next to the scullery, features a huge walk-in linen closet for all storage needs along with external access for added convenience.

For more than two decades, The Rural Building Co. has been building individual designs made for country living. This project home won the 2026 HIA Australian Project Home, with HIA judges praising its execution.

‘An asymmetrical home with a consistent neutral palette, polished concrete flooring and a great level of detail – this is perfectly suited to a modern country specification.’ They also highlighted the project’s adaptability, noting design modifications and upgraded finishes that elevated the final outcome.

For Rob Kirkovski and the team, the Oldbury project represents something more than accolades. ‘This is a very special residence, designed to capture the beauty of the surrounding Oldbury countryside,’ he says. ‘We’re thrilled to receive recognition for all the care that’s gone into this project.’