Luigi Rosselli Architects

High Country House

High Country House
© Edward Birch

High Country House

Luigi Rosselli Architects

ARCHITECTS
Luigi Rosselli

PROJECT TEAM
Luigi Rosselli, Edward Birch, Corrado Palleschi

STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT
Charles Blunt For Rooney & Bye Pty Ltd

PLUMBING & HYDRAULICS CONTRACTOR
Damien Mccann Plumbing

BUILDER
Jeff Rolley

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
Troy Miller Electrical

INTERIOR DESIGNER
Darryl Gordon Design

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
William Dangar

JOINER
Kirrawee Kitchens

PHOTOGRAPHS
Edward Birch

YEAR
2013

LOCATION
Armidale, Australia

CATEGORY
Houses

Text description provided by architect.

This hill top house is an expression of the unique meeting of rural life and culture, situated close to a remote New South Wales country town, home to a university, a regional art gallery and many other cultural institutions.

High Country House
© Edward Birch
High Country House
© Edward Birch

The clients seamlessly combine their flourishing agribusiness with their white collar and cultural occupations. Gentlemen farming.

The materials outside are resistant to bushfires and the harsh winter climate, while maintaining a crisp and urban finish.

High Country House
© Edward Birch
High Country House
© Edward Birch

The Interiors are an urbane and cultured refuge to a collection of art and indigenous artefacts collected in Africa and Asia.

There is no place for whips, saddles and country style clichés.

High Country House
© Edward Birch
High Country House
© Edward Birch

Their modern “Homestead” is located at the peak of the property overseeing the health of the cattle in the valley below through large windows and strategically oriented “wings”, each with a unique view of the meadows.

The 1000 meter of altitude are felt outside with cold winter fog covering the valley, whilst inside the house is a refuge enhanced by strongly integrated passive solar design principles.

The farm sheds and barns are located remotely, creating a separation of work and family life for the owners.

High Country House
© Edward Birch
High Country House
© Edward Birch
High Country House
© Edward Birch

Keeping nature intact, the grassy slopes of the hill continue all the way up under the concrete platform.

The slab and the corrugated steel skirt under, are a protection against grass fires and conceal large water tanks.

The concrete and the tanks provide ample thermal mass to balance the temperature extremes that high country encounters.

High Country House
© Edward Birch


High Country House
© Edward Birch
High Country House
© Edward Birch
High Country House
© Edward Birch


High Country House
© Edward Birch
High Country House
© Edward Birch
High Country House
© Edward Birch
High Country House
© Edward Birch


High Country House
Ground Floor Plan

Luigi Rosselli Architects
T +61 2 92811498
Luigi Rosselli Architects
122 Buckingham St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia