Ballarat Barn

Ballarat Barn combines traditional Victorian characteristics with Ballarat’s distinctive character, resulting in an oversized, light-filled family home that’s as striking as it is practical.

A generous north-facing backyard with a beloved silver birch tree were the standout features of this double-fronted Victorian home in Victoria’s third-largest city. A creative extension makes them the focal point while meeting the evolving demands of a growing family.

Taking the form of two pavilions – one directly connected to the original home and the other containing the garage with teenager’s loft – our design puts the backyard and its significant tree at the centre.

To fulfil the brief for increased natural light and space, we devised the steep pitch that gives the home its barn-like feel. Inside it’s lined with locally sourced silvertop ash and the exterior is clad with timber and shingles, adding texture and layers to truly distinguish the extension from the original weatherboard home.

The main extension contains the new kitchen and dining area plus an expansive open plan space that flows out to the garden. Light pours in from a full width window that puts the garden permanently on show. A neutral palette of concrete, timber, stone and black cabinetry are a timeless backdrop for the growing family while also drawing the eye to the outdoors.

A heated concrete slab and double-glazing guarantee warmth even in the coldest Ballarat winters. In warmer months, the doors slide open as family life spills outdoors.

Modifications to the original part of the house, which transformed the lounge into a master suite and added a cosy study/TV room, combine with the new addition to create a home with family life at its heart.