Coopworth | FMD Architects

Nestled in the rural surrounds of Bruny Island, Tasmania, Coopworth is a contemporary interpretation of a country farmhouse. The site’s resident Coopworth sheep, the wide-ranging views to the water and mountain ranges beyond, as well as the weathering red lead shacks dotted over the island provide an ever-changing landscape with which the house converses.

The footprint of the house is consciously constrained to maximise arable land yet maintains generosity in its thoughtful internal arrangement. Internally, the contrast of lofty volumes and snug spaces are accentuated by a utilitarian palette of plywood linings and concrete floors, drawing focus to a dramatic ceiling lined with Coopworth wool from the property. Sealed with clear, polycarbonate corrugated sheeting, the wool adds to the thermal performance, while celebrating the agricultural connections as an abstract wool fresco.

The northern elevation establishes a rhythm of window niches, capturing the view. Frameless windows are pushed to the edge of the floorplate to embrace wild winds and rains - at once immersed in the beauty and brutality of the weather and well protected from it.

On the western elevation, the ubiquitous chimney stack seen on the historic shacks is reimagined as a sunken bath, thus connecting the bather to the surrounding paddock and resident sheep, as well as long views to the bay beyond. 

While designed to accommodate two principal occupants, the house can be opened up to host family and friends through creative interpretations of Australian verandah sleepouts and caravan bunk beds. Window bays are bordered with sunken beds; a camping-like arrangement nurturing familial connections. An attic-like mezzanine serves as study space and guest bedroom, while an additional plywood-lined bed is discreetly integrated amongst a wall of joinery. Bespoke details, including a folded steel firewood stand and leather-wrapped bathroom fittings, add further interior grain. 

The house addresses accessibility, longevity and sustainability. In-ground trenches eliminate roof gutters, while all but one roof penetration is removed, mitigating leaks and fire risks. Compact spaces that can be closed off when not in use significantly reduce heating and cooling demands. UV heat and radiation is absorbed by the ‘internal eave’ of day beds in peak summer, while concrete floors, wool-lined ceilings, operable ventilation panels and ceiling fans effectively moderate temperatures. A large solar array and water tanks on the nearby farm sheds provide a self-sustaining water and power supply, while an efficient, slow-combustion wood fire is the main source of heating. Spaces are designed for universal access, with consideration of family with disabilities and the couple’s potential future needs. 

The house’s lightweight construction eased transportation of building supplies to the remote site, while local trades were called upon to reduce travel and build ties with the community. Natural and locally sourced products were favoured, including plywood and recycled timber. Furniture and LED lighting is locally designed and made. Charred timber sculptures by local first nation artist, Robby Wirramanda, provides an arresting, site-specific addition protecting the septic field from farm machinery, reiterating the balance between the pragmatic and poetic within the landscape.

Project Completion: 2020

Project Location: Bruny Island, Tasmania, Australia

Project Team: Fiona Dunin, Jayme Collins, Alice Edwards, Robert Kolak

Photographer: Dianna Snape

Builder: IN2 Construction

Structural Engineer: Aldanmark Consulting Engineers

Floor Area: 199m2 (+64m2 Deck and Bin Store)

Site Area: 120 hectares

Finishes

- Roofing/External Walls: Custom Orb, Brand: Lysaught, Finish: Colorbond ‘Terrain’
- External Ensuite Wall Tiles: Flashed Red Brick Tile, Brand: Robertson Building Products, Finish: Matt

- Internal Walls and Joinery: Opti Clear B/BB Birch, Manufacturer: Timberwood Panels, Finish: Osmo oil

- Kitchen Bench: Recycled Timber from Client’s family farm.

- Ceiling: Exposed Sheep Wool from sheep on site, behind Corrugated Clear Polycarbonate

- Windows: Aluminium Framed, Double Glazed Windows, Finish: Powdercoat ‘Terrain’

- Slab: Grey Cement, Concrete Slab, Finish: Matt Finish
- Carpet: Autumn Fern, Brand/manufacturer: Tretford, Finish: Green / 574
- Ensuite Tiles: Inax Yohen Border (Red/Brown), Brand: Artedomus, Finish: Glazed
- Bathroom Tiles: Minokoyo White/Grey, Brand: Academy Tiles, Finish: Matt
- Feature Paint Colour: ‘Terrain’

Furniture

- Jarden Lounge and Coffee Table
- Client’s Recycled Dining Table and Chairs

Lighting & Fans
- ISM Lighting
- Beacon Lighting

- Artefact Industries

Kitchen Appliances
- Gas Cooktop – Fisher & Paykel
- Dishwasher – Fisher & Paykel

- Oven  – Fisher & Paykel
- Steam Oven  – Fisher & Paykel
- Rangehood – Fisher & Paykel

Sanitary Fixtures
- Bathroom Tapware: Sussex Scala and Circa Tapware, Finish: Brushed Brass
- Kitchen Tap: Astrawalker Kitchen Spout, Finish: Aged Brass
- Ensuite Basin: Wood Melbourne Siena Basin